Daily Devotion

 With Pastor Ancel Presnell

“MAKE THEM FEEL AT HOME”

Romans 16:16 — “Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.”

There is something powerful about being genuinely welcomed. A person can walk into a crowded room and still feel completely alone. Sometimes a warm greeting is enough to remind them that somebody noticed they were there.

The believers were instructed to “salute one another,” carrying the thought of warmly recognizing and welcoming one another as members of God’s family. (Alexander 2014) In that culture, a holy kiss was one way that affection was expressed while maintaining appropriate social boundaries. (Robertson 1933)

The form of our greeting may look different today, but genuine Christian warmth should not disappear. A handshake, a smile, a conversation, or taking time to notice someone can communicate that they are welcome among God’s people. Rufus’s mother had taken that spirit even further. Her care was so meaningful that Paul regarded her like his own mother.

The local church should feel like family because we are family in Christ. We should never become so comfortable with the people we already know that we fail to notice someone standing nearby who desperately needs a friend.

Call to Action

Notice someone this week who could easily be overlooked. Welcome them, speak to them, and let them experience the love of Christ through the way you receive them.