Ephesians 1 v2, Thessalonians 1 v1, Galatians 1 v3

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ".
(Ephesians 1 v2, Thessalonians 1 v1, Galatians 1 v3).

Is this the way you greet people when you meet?

Would you start a letter to your friend in this way?

St Paul places a high importance on his greetings and farewells. He starts all his letters in the New Testament in this way. His greetings are full of encouragement and the warmth and generosity of Jesus. Paul's speciality was bringing people together and making them feel a part of something special. He puts great emphasis on this in his greetings and farewells.

Is this way of greeting very different from how you greet people today?

How we greet people is vital in developing relationships with each other. They are our opportunity to lift and encourage other people by showing them a part of Christ's character in us.

What about the way we say goodbye?

Paul ends his letters with farewells from his whole church. (Ephesians 6 v21-23). These farewells confirm Paul's love and concern for the people he is writing to. They also ensure the reader is aware of all the Christians throughout the world that are praying for them and showing that they are included in the greater brotherhood of God's people.

Perhaps take some time to think about the way you use these very important statements and the effect that this may have on the people we greet.

Try to be more like Paul and show the warmth of Jesus through our words to everyone and make them feel special and make them count.

God Bless you, everyone!