How can we ensure our greetings reflect genuine Christian love and unity? Setting the Scene Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” Paul’s brief command wraps warmth, holiness, and unity into one simple action. The heart behind it remains timeless. What Is a “Holy Kiss”? • Holy—set apart, free from self-interest • Kiss—first-century family affection, expressing equality and acceptance • Practiced across congregations (2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14) Core Principles for Today’s Greetings • Warmth: deliberate, joyful initiative (Philippians 2:1-2) • Purity: no hidden agenda (Romans 12:9) • Inclusion: every believer, without favoritism (James 2:1-4) • Joy: celebrating shared salvation (Philippians 4:4) Practical Ways to Show Genuine Love • Eye contact and names—affirm worth (Isaiah 43:1) • Appropriate touch—handshake, hug, shoulder tap, guided by wisdom • Verbal blessing—“Peace be with you” (John 20:19) • Unhurried listening (James 1:19) • Cross-cultural reach—bridge age, ethnicity, status gaps (Ephesians 2:14-16) Guarding Unity Through Greeting • Remember one body, one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-5) • Quench division with kindness (Proverbs 6:19) • Season tone with forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) Extending Greetings Beyond Sunday • Mid-week encouragement texts or calls (Hebrews 3:13) • Hospitality to visiting believers (3 John 5-8) • Publicly mention and pray for sister churches—“All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” Sunday Morning Checklist 1. Pray for Christ’s eyes toward everyone. 2. Recall Romans 16:16; aim to embody it. 3. Prepare a brief Scripture-rooted blessing. 4. Greet someone new or overlooked. 5. Follow up afterward with a note, text, or invitation. Final Reminder John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Our greetings are often the first evidence of that love. Let them be holy, heartfelt, and unmistakably Christ-centered. |
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