A Holy Kiss 03/17/2010
 
"Greet one another with a holy kiss.  All the churches of Christ greet you" (Romans 16:16).  "All the brothers send you greetings.  Greet one another with a holy kiss" (1 Corinthians 16:20).  "Greet one another with a holy kiss" (2 Corinthians 13:12).  "Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss" (1 Thessalonians 5:26).  "Greet one another with a kiss of love.  Peace to all of you who are in Christ" (1 Peter 5:14).

A kiss is a special act of friendship and intimacy - depending on its context.  It is a sign of greetings and personal relationship.  The apostle Paul uses it as a typical part of his letters to brothers and sisters in Christ.  In our American culture we might give hugs or a sturdy handshake of friendship and warmth.

Unfortunately, a close sign of friendship can be twisted into a deceptive form of friendship.  "While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, 'Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?'" (Luke 22:47-48).

There is no room in the body of Christ for fake or timid relationships.  Christians need to be bold and warm in their feelings for each other because we are all children of God.  Love each other in a godly way and recognize that we are related to Christ Himself.

Don't forget to greet each other with a "holy kiss".

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
 


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