18 April 2025
“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” Romans 16:16 brings the passage to a clear command. This is not a polite formality. It is a call to intentional, relational warmth. Mark Penrith explains, “The word carries weight. It means to embrace. To welcome. To draw near.” The gospel does not leave you isolated. It brings you into a living, breathing family.
“So Paul commands. Greets. Embraces. Calls them siblings.” This language is deliberate. Mark says, “Not colleagues. Acquaintances. Not useful contacts for the mission. Brothers. Sisters.” That is how you are meant to relate to one another. Not distant. Not casual. Personal. Engaged. Committed. The church is not a network. It is a household.
“All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” This expands the picture. Mark reminds us, “The family of God is not confined to this hall.” You belong to something far bigger than your local gathering. Yet that global reality must take shape locally. It must show up in your relationships, in your conversations, in your shared lives.
“Do not wait to be greeted. Greet. Do not wait to be known. Know.” That instruction is simple. It is direct. It calls for action. You do not need a perfect plan. You need a willing heart. Move toward someone. Open your home. Share a meal. Mark says, “The table is where strangers become siblings.” This is where the church becomes visible.
“We are brothers and sisters in Christ, so act like it.” That is the conclusion. It is not optional. It flows from the gospel itself. You have been welcomed by Christ. You now extend that welcome to others. Include your family in this. Let your children see that hospitality is part of following Jesus. Show them that people matter more than convenience.
“This week. Not next month. Not when you feel ready.” The call is urgent. Start where you are. Keep it simple. Invite someone in. Listen. Encourage. Pray. This is how acquaintances become family.
What is one step you can take this week to move from acquaintance to family in your church?
Lord, thank You for welcoming me into Your family. Help me to welcome others with the same grace. Teach me to live with open hands and an open home. Amen.