Greet with a Holy Kiss 2 Corinthians 13:12

Paul the apostle began his benediction to the church members in Corinth as he told them, “farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twelve of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members to “greet one another” where we read:

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

The verse begins, “Greet one another...” Paul began with the word, “greet” which means “to salute one, bid welcome, wish well to and receive joyfully” “one another” or “reciprocally and mutually”. Paul wanted the church members to “receive” each other in “joyful and welcoming” manner.

The verse continues, “with an holy kiss” Paul added the words, “with an holy” which means “by a pure, morally blameless and ceremonially consecrated” “kiss” which means “a sign of fraternal affection which Christians were accustomed to welcome or dismiss their companions in the faith”. Paul's exhortation to “greet one another” included a “pure and morally blameless” “sign of fraternal affection”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how “greeting” one another is an important aspect in the church. Friendly people in friendly churches make all the difference to regular attendants and to someone who is new to the church. The “holy kiss” was a means of affection or welcome in Paul's day where a handshake or hug might be employed today, however, “ignoring” people or being “unwelcoming” should not have a role in the church. When people belong to and visit our churches, let us be “welcoming” in the manner Paul described, and let the Lord Jesus be exalted as though He were there in person greeting them Himself.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “all the saints salute you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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