“When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
“Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
“Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
“The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brothers send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss...
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.” 1 Corinthians 16:10-20,23
Paul’s detailed long letter to the Corinthian church began with grace and gratitude, covered many topics facilitating their being unified with each other, and closed gathering every listener for a warm, affectionate bit of fellowship. Welcoming and loving and greeting and refreshing made for a healthy spiritual atmosphere and nurtured openness to important truths. They were a vital priority for the church if they were to grow and have influence together. His conclusion exemplified his teaching throughout. (1 Corinthians 1:2-9)
Support and defend the young and new, be flexible and understanding, act like adults in your interactions- with love, mutually submit and defer with grace, shower one another with appropriate affection. Each admonition involves relationships and genuine ties to individuals with personalities and challenges and needs. All require selflessness and intentional communication and gathering together, all promote a oneness of purpose that’s higher than any personal opinion or preference. Ours is a high and wide calling in Christ, and He is a high and limitless God! In and through Him we can do our part in building up the church. (Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 10:23-24)
How important to us is regular interaction with God’s people? What are we doing to make it happen? When we speak or spend time with them, what benefit or encouragement is derived? How well do we value the individuals God has placed in our circle, and what would they say is the evidence and result? How committed are we to meaningful fellowship within the Body, and to its expansion in maturity and numbers?
Standing and growing strong in the faith both requires and engenders worthwhile gathering among people we know by name and personality. The Lord disdains relational sloth and is honored when we invest in others.
Father, make me willing and ready to welcome and encourage those You’ve placed in my life, for their blessing and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 