Today’s reading: Romans 16:1-16; Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world.”

Matthew 5:14

Have you recently greeted someone with a holy kiss? This was, and still is in some Christian settings, a part of worship.

Usually the “kiss” is a brush on both cheeks. In Yala, a language group in Nigeria, greeting is done by taking the left hand fingers, placing them on the right elbow, then squeezing your right hand fingers in a handshake so when it is released there is a loud snap.  

Many people in our churches hug one another or shake hands. Some Christians aren’t quite comfortable with the idea of greeting with a holy kiss. And that’s okay. We can send warm vibes just by our smiles and eyes. Some today use a fist bump to convey that we appreciate and care for our fellow believers.

We read in Romans 16:16, where the Apostle Paul sends his greetings to fellow believers, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.”  In Romans 16:1-15, Paul sends his greetings to numerous people such as, Pricilla and Aquila, “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.”

What does this tell us about the importance of cheerfully greeting fellow believers – and also unbelievers? In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says: “You are the light of the world.” In Romans 16:16 He says: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” What a blessing fellowship is in Jesus!

Prayer:

Dear Father, fill us with joy in knowing you as Lord and Savior and our fellow saints in Christian fellowship.

Contributed by Ron Merritt