WEDNESDAY November 1, 2023
An Emotional Goodbye
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more....
Acts 20:36-38
What a beautiful portrait this scene gives to us as Paul and the elders of Ephesus knelt down on their knees by the Mediterranean Sea and lifted their voices together in prayer for each other. Do you think they loved one another? Yes! We see the brethren’s affection as they wept and sorrowed for Paul. They expressed genuine love––the love of Christ for one another.
They wept and kissed each other on the cheek, as was the custom in those days. It was such an emotional goodbye because they knew they would not see Paul’s face anymore.
As believers, we really need to care about each other and pray for one another. How beautiful it is when we can fall on each other’s necks and weep and cry with genuine affection. I find in Paul’s letter to the Roman believers, that he expressed the necessary show of affection and love toward each other:
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality (Romans 12:10-13).
In these verses, what action stands out to you the most? In your life, in what ways can you ask God to help you improve your Christian character? Perhaps you lack godly affection. Can you invite a brother or sister in Christ to a Christian gathering who might otherwise feel left out? Are you lazy or diligent? Can you put more effort into the things you are responsible for? Are you serving the Lord in some capacity in church? Do you give to others? Have you ever considered opening up your home for Christian fellowship? Pray and ask the Lord what He wants you to do.
To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.
~Jonathan Edwards~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
