Make People Feel Important

But 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. III John 1:14 (KJV)

This verse shows us some important points about how to meet and greet people. We need to relate with each other and make each other feel important.

But I trust I shall shortly see thee

With family and friends, don’t stay away too long. It is hard to build and maintain good relationships with people you care for when you rarely see them. On the other hand, don’t wear out your welcome. Proverbs tells us to withdraw our foot from our neighbor’s house lest he hate us. We can be around people too much. Everyone needs a certain amount of space and time alone. However, my point is that if you care about someone, don’t neglect the relationship.

We shall speak face to face

In the Greek this is actually saying we shall speak mouth to mouth. Keep communication lines open. Clear and ongoing communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship. When we stop talking to each other, misunderstandings can happen. We begin to have bad thoughts and negative feelings towards each other. Keep the communication lines open and honest to learn to know each other and relate to one another.As we give our time and attention to true communication (both talking and listening), we make one another feel important, valued, and loved.

Peace be to thee.

Peace is key in having and keeping good relationships. Peace promotes wholeness, wellbeing, and happiness in relationships. The Bible tells us to pususe peace and, as much as possible, be at peace with all people. Arguing, belittling and harsh words do not make people feel good about themselves and weakens relationships. We want to make people feel valued, loved, and accepted. if confrontation arises, speak the truth in love. Seek to heal, not hurt- to help, not hinder.

Our friends salute thee

Greet others with open hearts and hands. Express what is in your heart for a friend with a handshake, a hug, a cheerful word. Try to make your interactions with othes positive from beginning to end.

Greet the friends by name.

I cannot tell you how important and valued people feel when we remember their names. It goes a long way to building meaningful connections with people and creates bonds. Making the effort to remember names is thoughtful and is a personal way to showinterest in people. It is one of the more meaningful things we can do to grow a new relationship.

Friend is covenant talk. In Christ, we are in covenant with each other. We are friends, brothers, and sisters. As we do the things John references, we’ll make people feel important.