How can we practice "greet one another with a kiss of love" today? Setting the Scene 1 Peter 5:14: “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” • Peter writes to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, urging them to live out genuine brotherly affection amid hardship. • Similar commands appear in Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26, showing this was common practice in the early church. What the Original Greeting Meant • In the first-century Mediterranean world, a brief cheek-to-cheek or light lip-to-cheek kiss was a customary greeting among family and close friends. • It expressed honor, unity, and covenant loyalty—values the church was to embody as God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). • Jesus noted its cultural normalcy (Luke 7:45); Paul experienced it when parting from Ephesian elders (Acts 20:37). Timeless Principles Behind the Kiss 1. Warm, tangible affection that affirms our spiritual family bond (John 13:34-35). 2. Public testimony that barriers of class, ethnicity, and status have been leveled in Christ (Galatians 3:28). 3. Visible peace and reconciliation flowing from the gospel (Ephesians 4:1-3). 4. Mutual encouragement—simple acts can steady weary saints (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practical Ways to Live It Today Because Scripture is accurate and authoritative, we receive the command literally; yet we also recognize cultural forms shift. The principle—loving, pure, family-style affection—remains constant. Ways to practice it faithfully: • Appropriate physical greetings: – Handshake with warm eye contact and words of blessing. – Side-hug or brief embrace among those who are comfortable. – In cultures where cheek kisses remain normal (many Latin, European, African, and Middle-Eastern societies), retain the kiss with discretion and consent. • Words that carry affection: – “Brother, I’m glad to see you.” “Sister, you are loved.” – Speaking peace and grace as Peter does in 1 Peter 5:14. • Small acts of honor: – Joyfully standing to greet an elder (Leviticus 19:32 principle of respect). – Bringing a homemade meal or handwritten note as a “kiss” of tangible care (1 John 3:18). • Digital age touches: – A voice message or video greeting loaded with Scripture and encouragement for those far away (Philippians 1:3-8). – Thoughtful emojis or GIFs cannot replace physical presence, but they can supplement it when travel is impossible. • Congregational rhythms: – Designated “greeting time” in worship where believers genuinely interact, not merely exchange perfunctory hellos. – Fellowship meals and small groups that foster deeper, family-level relationships. Guardrails for Wisdom and Purity • Maintain moral integrity: greet in ways that “avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). • Respect personal boundaries, trauma backgrounds, and local customs—love does not insist on its own way (1 Corinthians 13:5). • Men minister to men, women to women when needed, especially in one-on-one settings, “to keep the ministry above reproach” (2 Corinthians 8:21). • Let leadership set clear guidelines so every greeting builds up and none cause stumbling (Romans 14:13-19). The Heart of the Matter • Love, visible and felt, is not optional; it is the apologetic Jesus gave the world (John 15:12; 1 John 4:7). • Whether through a literal kiss, a firm handshake, or a cheerful wave coupled with sincere words, the goal is identical: communicate Christ’s affection. • As we obey, God knits our hearts together, strengthens weary saints, and witnesses to unbelievers that the Prince of Peace truly reigns among His people. Grace and Peace “Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” May every greeting we offer embody that peace until the day we meet each other—and our Savior—face to face. |
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