How can we practice "a holy kiss" in today's cultural context? Setting the Biblical Scene “ All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. ” (1 Corinthians 16:20) Other reminders: Romans 16:16; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14. What Was the Holy Kiss? • A short, light kiss on the cheek or forehead—common in first-century Mediterranean culture. • A sign of shared family identity in Christ. • A visible declaration of peace, reconciliation, and unity before worship or fellowship. • Intentional—not romantic, not casual flattery, not showy. Timeless Principles We Must Keep • Warm, tangible love among believers (John 13:34-35). • Demonstrated unity that crosses social, ethnic, and economic lines (Galatians 3:28). • Outward gestures that flow from inward holiness—set apart from impurity (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Mutual encouragement whenever believers gather (Hebrews 10:24-25). Cultural Translations for Today Because gestures of affection vary, the form may shift while the meaning endures. Consider: • A brief handshake, looking the person in the eye. • A side-hug or shoulder pat if appropriate and welcome. • A warm verbal greeting—“I’m glad to see you, brother/sister!”—paired with a smile. • In cultures where a cheek kiss remains normal (parts of Europe, Latin America, Middle East), retaining the kiss is fitting when modest and mutually agreeable. The goal: communicate the same family love the early church expressed, using gestures that say “you are welcomed and valued” in your setting. Guardrails for Purity and Appropriateness • Seek the other person’s comfort; never impose physical contact (Philippians 2:3-4). • Observe age, gender, and marital boundaries to avoid even the appearance of impropriety (Ephesians 5:3). • Keep greetings brief and public, not prolonged or hidden. • Follow the leadership and policies of your local congregation (Hebrews 13:17). • Remember the adjective “holy”—set apart from flirtation or cultural trends that cheapen affection. Putting It Into Practice 1. Prepare your heart before gathering; release grudges and choose forgiveness. 2. Arrive ready to greet, not merely occupy a seat—hospitality is part of worship. 3. Discern the setting: • At church entrance: handshake or warm verbal greeting. • Among close, same-gender friends: quick hug or culturally accepted kiss if both are comfortable. • In small-group prayer: hand on shoulder while praying for one another. 4. Teach children and new believers why we greet this way, linking the gesture to Scripture. 5. Let the greeting open doors for deeper fellowship: ask how you can pray, offer help, share a meal. A holy kiss today is any sincere, culturally intelligible gesture that conveys the pure, familial love of Christ. Keep the heart holy, choose the form wisely, and the original command still lives. |
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