Greetings That Shatter Discouragement: New Year’s Devotion 🎆
New Year’s devotion: Consider how to shatter discouragement by sending Biblical greetings in this new year. Bring light, encouragement, and life to people. 
My New Perspective on Biblical Greetings
Yesterday (New Year’s Eve), I decided to read two books of the Bible that I hadn’t read in quite a while: 3rd John and Jude. I was struck by the two different greetings that begin each of these books of the Bible. As I thought about them, I recalled other similar greetings written in other epistles (letters) in the Bible.
Usually, I just skim over the greetings to get into the main ideas of each letter written to individuals and groups of Christians. But this time I was struck by the fact that these greetings are a part of God’s Word. I imagined what it would be like to receive encouraging greetings like these and to give them to others. It has motivated me to consider writing greetings that will help pull people out of the darkness of discouragement.
John’s Greeting to Gaius
Wouldn’t it be great to receive a letter or an email that begins with something like Gaius received from John?
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers
John affirmed to Gaius that he was loved. Then John gave him a blessing that confirmed that John was praying for him, wanting him to be prosperous, healthy, and strong in his spiritual life. In this greeting, which appears to be simple, John reveals a spiritual truth: Health and prosperity are connected to spiritual health. I think that Gaius smiled when he read this greeting.
Jude’s Greeting to a Group
Jude’s letter was written to a group of Christians, including us. Here is his greeting:
To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Then he moves into the core of what he labels an urgent message by first calling them “Beloved.” Just as John did, Jude affirms his love for them. He also reveals a spiritual truth in his greeting: Christians are sanctified (set apart and made holy), as well as called into faith by God the Father, and also preserved (kept safe and kept in the faith) by Jesus.
When I have an urgent message for someone, I tend to jump right into it. But Jude lays the groundwork of affirming believers before leaping right into his concerns and warnings for them. What a great example of how to bring exhortation and correction when needed.
Actions to Take to Greet People in a Way That Shatters Discouragement
I don’t know about you, but when I write to people, I usually don’t make an effort to include an encouraging greeting. in this new year, I’d like to reconsider what type of greetings would bless people, bringing peace, love, and encouragement to them. Maybe I’ll post some biblical greetings on social media also. If you’d like to greet other readers of this post, write your own Biblical-style greeting in the comment section below.
I can see how beginning communications with people should start with affirmation and blessing. So I’m challenged to ask God for encouraging greetings to give people when I write to them. My words won’t sound as formal as those in the scripture. I’d like to be led by the Holy Spirit to write exactly what the recipients need to hear – words that will bring light into whatever darkness they face.
My Greeting to You
Therefore, I’d like to close this devotion with a greeting from Scripture. (I know that’s a strange way to end.)
… To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus… 1 Corinthians 1:2b – 4a (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
And I will add: Have a happy, blessed, healthy, and prosperous new year! Thank you for reading Daily-Devotionals.com. I am especially grateful for those who return to this website again and again to receive inspiration from what we share.
by Karen S. Roberts
