2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Friday, May 29
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
[Paul writes:] 11 Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
“… 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. …”
While it may seem that Paul is isolated in his journeys, imprisonments, and ministry, nothing could be farther from the truth. Throughout his letters, especially their endings, he writes about the people who accompany him, tend to him, minister to him, and work with him. Typically, he names them outright but here, in 2 Corinthians, he simply refers to them as “all the saints”.
When we live in community – especially those communities with other believers – we discover that we are never alone. While we may be by ourselves in our rooms, in prayer, or away from the crowd, the gift of being part of a faithful community means that we always surrounded by the saints of God. (“Saints” here referring to those who have been claimed and named by God in the waters of baptism.)
Whether such communities are congregations, prayer groups, bible studies, women’s or men’s organizations, youth or children’s groups, or other gatherings of the faithful, we find ourselves amid those who bring hope, joy, and love into our lives. Apart from them, we discover only loneliness. Within such communities, we find the peace which passes all understand.
Paul’s encouragement to greet one another with a holy kiss is the apostle’s way of saying engage with one another in the bonds of love generated by your mutual faith in Jesus Christ. Therein, amidst those saints, you will find the fullness of God’s peace in your lives.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of communities of faith. Remind me this day of Your presence to me and with me as I gather and celebrate Your saints who comprise the community of love in my life. Amen.