Message summary:  We greet people every day, in our home or as we're out and about. If asked, how would someone describe your typical greeting or the tone in which you address them? Does your presence uplift and point people to the joy that only Christ can bring?

Listen to our message on your audio player.

"Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:21).

This coming Sunday I will be a "greeter" at our church, one of many for that matter. In this case I stand at an entrance and open the exterior door as people come in. I seek to earnestly convey a sense of warmth and enthusiasm as the first official church representative that people will see that morning.

I don't preach, of course, but may offer brief words of exhortation and encouragement with a touch of humor. If I see an older couple coming in holding hands I might say something like, "It's nice to see a young couple coming to church holding hands". Or if it's a young couple I would very briefly remind them of the importance of building their relationship on Christ.

When I served as a pastor I considered the greeter to be a very important role. Scrolling back in my memory two older gentleman especially come to mind, each serving in different churches: Wilfred (right) in upstate Pennsylvania and Bill in Massachusetts. Both men greeted many different people over the years whom they faithfully served. They were a human fixture at the main entrance, passing out bulletins, offering a firm handshake, a smile, and warm greeting. If these men weren't there they were missed!  Many of you can think of people like this in your own local church.

In his letter to the Philippians Paul concludes by offering a general greeting to "all the saints in Christ Jesus".  This must have been very encouraging to the church as no one was left out.

The word translated "greet" is the Greek word "aspazomai" which means, "to enfold in the arms". Thus it may convey what we call a hug. Several verses also say, "Greet one another with a holy kiss" (2 Corinthians 13:12) and this remains the custom in some cultures and churches including some right here in Lancaster County.

Our word of encouragement today is the reminder of the power of a kind, loving greeting. It doesn't have to be limited to church or the Walmart greeter. There is a great blessing and witness in the cheerful greeting we may offer or receive in the course of life.

I smile as I recall various signature greetings I have heard through the years; a friend named Steve who would cheerfully say, "Top of the morning to you", or Earl, now with the Lord, regularly declared, "It's a great day to praise the Lord!" Bunny regularly walks up to people (us included) and says, "Has anyone told you today that Jesus loves you?" Probably every time he's asked us we'd say "no" and then Bunny proceeded to tell us, "Jesus loves you!" Bunny is a powerful witness who often witnesses by asking this question to those whom he meets daily.

We greet people every day, in our home or as we're out and about. If asked, how would someone describe your typical greeting or the tone in which you address them? Does your presence uplift and point people to the joy that only Christ can bring?

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber