2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Verse 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. Verse 13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Devotion
When Gloria walks through the church door on a Sunday morning, she brings a smile and a hug. I can’t help but feel encouraged by her joyful greeting. Rain or shine, she reflects the radiant love of Jesus.
Maybe some of you are old enough to have written or received letters that were marked with x’s for kisses and o’s for hugs. Paul’s closing words of blessing to the Corinthians seem to be all x’s and o’s to me. Kissing may not be appropriate in a modern setting, but the sentiment is clear: love one another. Treat each other with honor and respect. You are not alone. Others are holding you up as well.
We are made for community. When we come to worship, we experience the presence of the risen Jesus reflected in other faces. When we seek peace, the God of peace is with us. The Holy Spirit gathers us into one body and we are restored. Brave with the breath of God, we stand together.
Prayer
O God, you have created us to live in relationship with you and with others. Fill us with your joy and courage so that we may uplift one another. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.