Greet One Another

Romans 16:1-2

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

As Chapter 16 opens Paul goes through a list of people whom he commends to the Church at Rome and to whom he asks them to greet. That list includes a person from Asia, Jews, women, children, slaves, those who have undergone persecution, and fellow Gentiles. Paul forgets no-one. It seems as everyone, no matter their station in life, was important to him. In fact, he begins the list by speaking of Phoebe, whom he asks that they receive in the Lord, in a way worthy of His people and to give her any help she my need. When we receive people, we need to do so in a manner worthy of His people

This coming Sunday we will be meeting together once again as the body of Christ in public worship. As we come together we will need to practice “social distancing” but at the same time “greet” one another in a manner worthy of the Lord’s people. I think that means we don’t overlook anyone- young or old, richer or poorer. We don’t just associate with those closest to us and exclude others. We also come to serve and not be served! It is going to be great to be back!

Lord as we prepare our hearts and look forward to coming together, may I not overlook the fact that it is You, who set the standard of our fellowship and it is Your love which has poured out into our hearts which we are to freely express! May we rise up in a manner worthy of your people! AMEN