I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also  greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from  Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and  Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the  household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. — Romans 16:1-16

18 times the word “greet” is used in this passage. I just had to look the word up. . .

According to dictionary.reference.com it is 1. to address with some form of salutation; welcome. 2. to meet or receive. It’s a verb meaning it requires action.

The Greek word for “greet” is aspazomai. It means “to draw to oneself”. To salute, greet, bid welcome, wish well to; receive joyfully, welcome. “Used of those accosting anyone; of those who visit one to see him a little while, departing almost immediately afterwards; to pay respects to a distinguished person by visiting him; of those who greet one whom they meet in the way; a salutation was made not merely by a slight gesture and a few words, but generally by embracing and kissing, a journey was retarded frequently by saluting” (Greek Lexicon)

How do you greet the Lord’s saints? Do you acknowledge your brothers and sisters in Christ with joy, respect, acknowledging your love for them in Christ? Are they encouraged and lifted up by your greeting? Remember that “greet” is an action word. Greet the saints with the same respect you would Jesus.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon