The previous month's newsletter introduced a series that explores the significance of the term "one another" for fostering a healthy and vibrant church community.
The New Testament outlines thirty-three responsibilities that believers have towards one another, all of which are manifestations of love. The central directive for believers in the church age is to love one another as Christ has loves them. This commandment was not only given by Christ, but He also serves as both the embodiment and the standard of this truth.
One practical way of expressing love for one another just as Jesus did when He lived on this earth is to “Greet one another with a holy kiss” and “a kiss of love” (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14).
The New Testament contains numerous references to believers and churches exchanging greetings with one another and sending greetings to other believers and churches. In the New Testament, greetings are conveyed fifty-five times and commanded twenty-six times. Additionally, four instances of commanded greetings to a church or believers include the words "one another."
Greeting people is a practice that has been observed throughout history by many cultures. In the times of the Old Testament, Christ, and the early church, a kiss on both cheeks was a common practice of greeting. For example, when Moses met his father-in-law after bringing the Hebrews out of Egypt, he greeted him with a kiss (Exodus 18:7). Paul instructed believers and churches to follow the cultural greeting practices of their time. Today, some cultures still use kissing on the cheek as a form of greeting. In present Western culture, particularly in the United States, people often greet each other with a handshake or a hug.
Greetings have always been a way to show honor, acceptance, love, and concern. For believers and churches, they also represent unity and equality in Christ. This is what Paul referred to with the words "holy kiss" and "kiss of love."
Being part of a community of believers that practices mutual love and acceptance regardless of race, gender, social status, or past history is crucial for one’s spiritual well-being. This support is particularly valuable during challenging times. Knowing that you are loved and accepted despite rejection from others, including family members who oppose loyalty to Christ, provides encouragement and strengthens continued commitment and service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Two Scripture passages are particularly noteworthy with respect to greeting one another with a “holy kiss” and “kiss of love:” Luke 7:36-46 and James 2:1-13.
In Luke 7:36-46, Jesus receives honor and love from Mary but not from Simon the Pharisee. Jesus came to Simon’s home for dinner but was not welcomed because Simon was self-righteous and unwilling to show common decency to Jesus. Mary, a sinner (prostitute), was humble and caring. Jesus said to Simon, pointing out his sinful heart and behavior, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume…for she loved much” (vv. 44-47; NASB).
James 2:1-13 points out prejudice which believers can have, evidenced by how one greets people who come into the assembly of believers. The acceptance of one and the rejection of the other based upon how they are dressed is sinful because one is neither honoring nor loving his neighbor.
This behavior is symptomatic of two sinful ways of thinking.
First, people who do not appear well dressed are useless to God and men. James pointed out that God has throughout history used people rejected by society to do great things for Him (v. 5).
Second, those who have nothing to offer to a church are to be cast aside. Just before addressing prejudice, James wrote, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress…” (1:27). Believers are not to be selfish, only helping people because of the benefit they can receive from them.
One situation which may occur with respect to greeting one another is church discipline. Are greetings to be extended to those removed from the church’s fellowship (membership)?
A church is to cease normal, meaningful Christian fellowship with a brother or sister in Christ that has been church disciplined due to his or her unrepentance and persistence in sin. Church people can greet the person, showing them love and care, and then immediately address the sin problem with the goal of restored fellowship with God and the church. To not acknowledge the person is not helpful for their restoration.
Greeting one another with a "holy kiss" or "kiss of love" is an integral practice within Biblical Christianity and local church communities. This simple gesture holds significant and wide-ranging benefits for every follower of Jesus Christ.
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