What is the meaning of 1 Peter 5:14? Greet one another with a kiss of love Peter’s closing line begins with a very tangible instruction: “Greet one another with a kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14). • In the first-century church this “holy kiss” (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26) was an open, brotherly sign of unity across social and ethnic lines. • The literal act underscored that the family of God is bound together by real affection, not mere words. • While cultural forms of greeting differ today, the principle remains unchanged: believers are to show warm, sincere, visible love for each other (John 13:34-35). • Practical applications include: – Welcoming newcomers personally rather than leaving them on the fringe. – Restoring strained relationships quickly so warmth is genuine (Matthew 5:23-24). – Choosing expressions—handshake, hug, encouraging words—that communicate the same heartfelt acceptance the “kiss of love” once did. Peace to all of you who are in Christ Peter then blesses the readers: “Peace to all of you who are in Christ” (1 Peter 5:14). • Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the wholeness Jesus promised: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you” (John 14:27). • This peace comes only “in Christ.” Through faith we are united with Him, justified, and therefore “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). • Because God’s peace guards hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), Peter’s benediction carries real power, not polite sentiment. • The blessing is corporate: “all of you.” Peace should characterize the entire fellowship, reflecting the reconciling work of the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). summary Peter’s final sentence reminds believers to embody affectionate, tangible love toward one another and to rest in the comprehensive peace granted to every person united with Christ. Warm fellowship and God-given peace together display the gospel to the watching world and strengthen the church within. |
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