Scripture Post #380: *LOVING GREETING*

2nd Corinthians 13:12: "Greet one another with an holy kiss."

[Disclaimer: The image here (in it's original form) was from an image search-engine. The original source of this image is unbeknown to me. I own no rights of this image.]

Context: This Scripture was from Apostle Paul and Timothy, unto the Church at Corinth (2nd Cor. 1:1-2).

If you're a dude, and you read this Scripture and think it's too womanly to do, think again. The men in the mafia, when they see one another, what do they do? They kiss each other. And they're murderers!! So kissing in love and kindness isn't a woman thing only. 

But anyway, we must care for one another as CHRIST cared for us! We must love one another as CHRIST loved us! A hug always feels better than a wave "hello". We in the Church should feel comfortable enough to hug one another with our greetings. Because we're all family. We're Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST having the same Heavenly FATHER. Now, some people do give a "holy kiss" in Church, and that's great, that's Scripture. However, everybody in the Church may not be mature in the things of GOD enough to know what Scripture states about holy-kiss-greetings, so it might be wise to use discretion with that one. (Especially when the Pastor of the Church isn't preaching this.) But I believe the main point of this Scripture is: have a *LOVING GREETING* when you see the people of GOD—they're family! 

Scripture appearing multiple times in the NT almost verbatim to this one, stresses the importance of the love we should have for one another:

Rom. 16:16: "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you."

1st Cor. 16:20: "All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss."

2nd Cor. 13:12: "Greet one another with an holy kiss."

1st Thess. 5:26: "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss."

1st Pet. 5:14: "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen."

Side note: we really should be loving towards everyone: both the saved and unsaved. 

Originally Published: Fri. 9/27/13