You might think we who grew up in the south to west regions of our country have long goodbyes—and you would be right! It’s definitely a process. Our goodbyes would begin in the house, saying, “We really need to get on the road now.” Then our visiting family and friends will finally rise from the couches or dinner table, signaling the beginning of the goodbye process. As kids, we knew the adults would spend at least another hour in conversation, so play continued.
Growing up in this culture of long good byes, I remember when my uncle and his family who lived out of state would come to visit for a few days. After meals together, games played, world problems solved, the last day of their visit would involve the final goodbyes. People today would look upon this scenario and think, are you not going to see them ever again?! (Smiling) Everyone, adults and kids, would follow visiting family members out the door with, “Do you have everything you need for the trip home?” It was considered disrespectful not to follow them out the door and to offer help for the trip home. So, we would often send food for their journey. It’s just what you did.
Just as they were calling their kids to get in the car, someone would say, “Hey, did you hear about Joe and his family and trouble they had last month?” This was just an opener for more conversation that would lengthen the good bye. We kids knew the cues. We would automatically begin another game to play while the grownups talked more, knowing it would be at least another hour before they were called the final time in a louder, more meaningful voice, to finally get in the car. When families who are believers know the love of God and have the love of God in them, the expression of that love is similar to these types goodbyes, all in the Name of Jesus. My visiting uncle was a pastor, so the goodbyes also included a prayer for safe travel home.
The way Paul finishes this letter of goodbyes to the Corinthians, with hopes of seeing his dear friends again, reminds me of the love expressed and felt in my family. Jesus’ followers become closer still because all is said and done in the precious Name of Jesus who died and rose again to bring all who believe into the family of God. Jesus’ work on the cross and rising from death in victory over death reconciled (reconnected) us back to God and to each other.
Love God, Love Others—in Jesus Name. Who we are and all we do begins with His love in us. Know God, know love. If we don’t know God, we don’t know love, says John. (1 John 4:7-8)
The longer our goodbyes—the deeper our love is for each other and for Jesus, our Master. Can I get an amen?!
1 Corinthians 16, The Message
Coming to See You
1-4 Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I’ll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I’ll be glad to travel with them.
5-9 I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won’t be staying long there, but maybe I can stay awhile with you—maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. I don’t want to just drop by in between other “primary” destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we’ll have it! For the present, I’m staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10-11 If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do. Don’t let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I’m expecting him, and any friends he has with him.
12 About our friend Apollos, I’ve done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven’t talked him into it yet. He doesn’t think this is the right time. But there will be a “right time.”
13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
15-16 Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they’ve put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.
17-18 I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence! They’ve refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.
19 The churches here in western Asia send greetings.
Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.
20 All the friends here say hello.
Pass the greetings around with holy hugs!
21 And I, Paul—in my own handwriting!—send you my regards.
22 If anyone won’t love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
23 Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.
24 And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.
Lord,
Thank you for your love that you instill in our hearts as we love you with all that is in us. It is your perfect love that grows our love for each other, forgiving each other, and holding nothing back. Your love builds our trust in you. Your love strengthens our faith. Your love causes us to be more generous in our giving and loving of each other. Thank you for teaching us how to love like you love us—full of grace and mercy—lavishly and generously! And the best of all? “Goodbyes” here are “hellos” there with you forever!
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 