There may be certain parts of Scripture that we think only applied to first-century Christians and we just skip over them. But, perhaps we should take a closer look. Consider for a moment the numerous times that Christians were directed to “Greet one another.” That still applies today.
First, think about the word, “Greet.” The Greek word literally means, “to draw to oneself.” It is defined as, “to engage in hospitable recognition of another through word or gesture, welcome, express good wishes, treat with affection.” This generally involved embracing or kissing, and the term is used repeatedly in the epistles as an imperative verb, indicating a command of God that is not optional. Do you greet?
Second, think about the object of the action, “Greet one another.” The reflexive, reciprocal pronoun “one another” involves all brethren doing this to all other brethren (Rom. 16:16; 2 Cor. 13:12). Just as we are to love one another, encourage one another and serve one another (mutual responsibilities of every Christian for every other Christian), we are to greet one another. Paul says, “Greet all the brethren” (1 Thess. 5:26), and John says, “Greet the friends by name” (3 John 14). Do you greet your brethren regularly?
Third, think about the method, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” The Lord was not demanding a kiss in all generations and all cultures, but He was taking a common practice of that day and regulating it among the Christians. First-century greetings often included the kiss of friendship, not a passionate kiss. In modern culture, it usually is a handshake or a friendly hug—some kind of gesture that (remember the literal definition) would draw another to oneself in a welcoming, friendly way.
Fourth, think about the regulation of the greeting, “Greet one another with a HOLY kiss.” The emphasis in the text is on the word “holy.” The Lord took the common greeting of the day and ensured that it was done out of Christian affection. It is to be “holy,” meaning “set apart, sincere, unhypocritical.” You need to mean it when you greet your brethren and you need to keep it Christ-like. Peter said, “Greet one another with a kiss of love” (1 Pet. 5:14). Agape love is to color every action of a Christian.
Fifth, consider that our holy greetings are to be extended beyond our brethren. Jesus said, “If you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others?” (Matt. 5:47). When you are at a church service, spend time greeting your brethren warmly, but make it a priority to seek out guests and give them a genuine, friendly Christian welcome. Our guests should feel like they are wanted in our family.
-David Sproule
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