GREET OTHERS WITH A HOLY KISS

Some passages in the Bible make us stop and ask, “Are we really supposed to do that today?”

One of those passages is Paul’s repeated instruction to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” At first glance, it sounds like a command every Christian should still practice. But is that really what Paul intended?

Paul mentions this greeting four times.

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” (Romans 16:16)

“All the brethren greet you. 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 brethren with a holy kiss.” (1 Thessalonians 5:26)

Peter gives a similar instruction.

“Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.” (1 Peter 5:14)

So, should believers today literally greet one another with a kiss?

To answer that question, we need to understand the culture in which these words were written.

In the first century, a kiss on the cheek was a common greeting among family members and close friends. It was a sign of affection, acceptance, respect, and peace. It was no different than a handshake, a hug, or even a warm smile may be in many cultures today.

Notice that Paul did not simply say to greet one another with a kiss. He called it a “holy” kiss. Peter called it a “kiss of love.” The emphasis was not on the physical act itself but on the attitude behind it. Their greeting was to be sincere, pure, and fitting for brothers and sisters in Christ.

The principle is timeless. The custom is cultural.

The New Testament contains several examples where a timeless principle is expressed through a cultural practice. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17). In that day, people walked dusty roads in sandals, and washing someone's feet was an act of humble service. While most Christians today do not literally wash one another’s feet, every believer is still called to serve others with humility.

The same is true of the holy kiss.

The Bible is not commanding every generation and every culture to greet one another with a kiss. It is commanding believers to greet one another with genuine Christian love, warmth, and purity.

In some parts of the world, a kiss on the cheek is still the normal greeting. In those places, following Paul's instruction literally would be entirely appropriate. In many other cultures, however, a handshake, a hug, or another respectful greeting communicates the very same thing.

If walking into your church and kissing everyone on the cheek would make people uncomfortable or distract from the worship of Christ, then the purpose of the command has been lost. God is not interested in forcing one culture's customs on another. He is interested in hearts that truly love one another.

Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

That is the real message behind the holy kiss.

Whether we greet someone with a handshake, a hug, a kind smile, or words of encouragement, our greeting should reflect the love of Christ. It should never be cold, fake, or merely out of habit.

The form may change from culture to culture, but the principle never changes.

As believers, we should always greet one another with genuine love, because we are not merely acquaintances. We are family in Christ.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

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