I Corinthians 1:3

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ (KJV)

Then: Element #3 is the greeting. Paul says the words "grace" and "peace." Grace is a word that can be so accepted that pretty soon it cannot be defined. We know God gives it, and we know it is not the same thing as love or peace or hope or mercy. It just is. So dictionary straight ahead: "divine help," "state of approval/acceptance" and "called out, made holy (sanctified)"-- and wonder of wonders, you didn't ask for it or deserve it. In the list, "called out" has the most meaning because Paul already said the Corinthians were called to be saints. Peace is a result of receiving God's grace. No matter where you stand on the path which heads towards heaven, God has not abandoned you so peace can abide. N.T. Wright (p.2) believes Paul has embedded the knowledge of God's personal presence in his own life and in the lives of all followers. Therefore, the greetings automatically include "grace" and "peace" and the name of the Lord.

Now: Sometimes emails start with personal notes; many times they don't. I usually forge ahead, but if I get wordy, I'll go back and add a "hello" thought. I expect people are busy and don't want long interferences. They do appreciate the information; however, so when they take time to read a long missive, they want some kind of one-on-one interchange.They deserve a long, grace-and-peace "hello."