“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
Greet one another with a kiss of love.” The significance of the kiss is not in the context of romance as in our culture, but affection as friends and family. The greetings have behind them the deep spiritual love and unity among the believers. It is more than what we do as a handshake. It is not just a casual greeting of politeness. It is a symbol of commitment to another. As Peter concludes his letter it is a custom to inquire about others and share greeting to one another.
I was quite surprise when I had the privilege of visiting and teaching in Russia. At their church services they practiced the holy kiss. Men would kiss men and women would kiss women. There was the real feeling of excitement to see one another. It was apparent that church gatherings were like family reunions.
Christ is the purpose for gathering for the family of God. But when these people saw each other, I saw how much they really enjoyed being there. I saw how much they saw these gatherings as times to get away from the oppression of their work, challenges of their finances, and worries around them. It was an oasis of celebration in the spirit of Christ. The holy kiss was expressed with true desire to be together again with brothers and sister in the Lord.
He knew people and wanted them to share in love and greetings. He recognized the help of friends in the ministry. His expression of peace is not just a greeting, but a prayer, that they would experience the absence of conflict and unity of the spirit in Jesus who bring us peace with God and with one another.
So, the phrase, "She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings and Mark too" It is an encouragement to them that they are being remembered. It was important to know others were thinking of them.
The purpose of the church is to glorify God. It is to do His work, but the blessings come when we share our hearts with one another in the ups and downs of life. It is a mistake when we think it is a spectators’ event when we gather. It is intended to be participated in the power, truth, love and Spirit of our Lord. To that end Peter concludes His letter.
Application: Why not pray for someone today who is in the church? Send them an email of greeting, or a note of concern. Give someone a hug. Some need it badly!
Prayer: Lord, help me daily to think of someone who would need a phone call, card or a short visit.
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