INTRODUCTION

The Bible often defines words by association. The word salute (also appearing as saluteth and salutation ) is a greeting. This can be understood by its association with words like meet (1 Samuel 13:10And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
See All...), bless (2 Samuel 8:10Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
See All...), and greet (Romans 16:5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
See All..., 11; Philippians 4:21
See All...; Titus 3:15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
See All...; 3 John 1:14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
See All...). In person, the salutation is the initial greeting (Judges 18:15And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, even unto the house of Micah, and saluted him.
See All...), but in written correspondence, it often appears at the conclusion (see Romans 16). One specific salutation can be found by comparing Matthew 10:12And when ye come into an house, salute it.
See All... with Luke 10:5-6 [5] And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. [6] And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
See All.... In Matthew 10:12And when ye come into an house, salute it.
See All..., the Bible says, "And when ye come into an house, salute it." The word salute is defined in Luke 10:5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
See All... as "first say, Peace be to this house."

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) A salutation is more than just saying, "Hi," to someone. It is a greeting that offers expressions of goodness or well-being. Consider these Bible examples: Genesis 24:29-31 [29] And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. [30] And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well. [31] And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
  See All...; Genesis 43:29And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.
  See All...; Judges 6:12And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
  See All...; Ruth 2:4And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
  See All...; 1 Samuel 15:13And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.
  See All...; Luke 1:28-30 [28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. [29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. [30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  See All....
• Paul admonished the recipients of his epistles to salute the brethren. How do you salute the brethren? Do you salute them as Paul and John did by commending the saints unto the grace and peace of God (Colossians 4:18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
  See All...; 3 John 1:14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
  See All...)?
• Why is it important that believers strive to conform to the will of God down to the details of having scriptural salutations?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you be a blessing to others in your salutations.
• Ask the Lord to help you learn how to salute the brethren.

HYMN

Take the Name of Jesus With You

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