Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Participation in Divine Mission

Romans 16: 1-16
V.16  “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.”

Romans 16 is considered the final passage in Paul’s long letter to the Christians in Rome. Verses 1-16 is his greetings to specific people in Rome. It includes a list of two dozen groups of people that Paul wants his readers to greet him in Rome.  He starts the greetings by directing a servant of the church Cenchreae, Phoebe who is a patron to Paul.

Verse 16, states, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.” Here Paul has concluded his greetings to the people. At the end of his letter he urges them all to greet each other with a holy kiss. Paul was known to end his letters this way.  It was practiced in the early church as a way of confirming the sibling bond of love between believers in Christ. Paul also offers general greetings to the church in Rome from all the Christian churches he has been associated with. As always, Paul emphasizes the ultimate unity of all the churches that are of Christ. We can see in verse 16 that Paul participates in divine mission in this letter.  He is uniting them in a supernatural union with God.

God has asked us to spread his word around the world but sometimes to discuss your beliefs is a hard task. To participate in a divine mission does not mean you have to go out of your way and make it a big project, it can a simple act as Paul did in Romans 16. It can be as effortless as saying hello to others or being kind and compassionate to those around you. For example, we can help our elderly neighbor mow their lawn or even offer to get their groceries.  

There are many ways we can witness our faith and remember that God calls on us differently. One way to share your faith and God’s word is by turning to a certain verse so you can show other people what God says about whatever they are going through such as fear or worry. Also, you can display bible verses or Christian symbols for other people to see such as on a necklace or wristband. When we share God’s word to others, we are greeting others with His unconditional love.
 
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to go out and greet one another with the love of Christ. Help us to spread your word in different ways so that others can see your abundant love. Amen.
 
Thought for the day
"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 

Ginsey George
St. Johns MTC
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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