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This week and last, the podcast is focused on one another passages. We’ve looked at things like loving one another, encouraging one another and forgiving each other. Well, today is a doozy. Listen to I Corinthians 16:20, “All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (NIV)
What?! We are supposed to kiss each other?! I hope this just a fluke passage! Well, hardly. There are four passages in the New Testament that tell us to great one another with a holy kiss or a kiss of love. Paul and Peter both urge this. What in the world are they talking about?
Well, this is not telling us we need to lock lips with other Christians. It refers to the practice in their culture where men greeted each other by kissing each cheek. Women greeted women in the same way. This showed two things. First, it demonstrated affection and friendship. Second, it demonstrated there was no division or hard feelings between each person. It was a mark of unity.
Every culture has a similar custom. Some still exchange kisses on each cheek. Others may use a handshake or a hug, or something else. These verses encourage us to greet each other by demonstrating we are not holding grudges. And the greeting is to be warm and friendly. This is not some special service or ordinance. Rather, it should be the way we always greet each other.
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.