by Ken Thomas
I was grown and preaching before it really dawned on me that the "holy kiss" was prescribed to the early church in any other place than Romans 16:16. In chapter 16 the apostle Paul speaks of many people who were to be "greeted" or "saluted." He then said "Salute one another with an holy kiss." (See also 2 Corinthians 13:12) 1 Thessalonians 5:26 says, "Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss."
For many in our culture the kiss has become a cheap, meaningless prelude to an illicit relationship, rather than a sign of affection. Young boys often avoid any display of warmth or affection even for family members lest they be labeled as effeminate. So then, what is the status of the "holy kiss" today? I have heard preachers equate it to our modern day handshake, but I am not fully convinced that firm sincere gripping of the hands carries the same warmth or affection as implied here.
For an individual to take it on himself/herself to practice the "holy kiss" in a literal way would be so strange and shocking as to cause a real commotion today. There are times that hugs are accepted - when old friends are reunited, or at a funeral or marriage. But what about at other times? Can we increase our warmth of expression in the church? Could we begin by using kind words of appreciation and love toward one another? This would surely be a start toward showing the love of Christians. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another," Romans 12:10.
"Let brotherly love continue." Hebrews 13:10
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on April 9, 1989.
by Ken Thomas
In last week's article we discussed the "holy kiss" as a scriptural call for brethren to show their love for one another in tangible ways. Is this important?
In 1 John 3 we learn that there is a dual test by which God's children can be distinguished: "Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." God's children will "do right" and "love each other." If we do not love each other we are still spiritually dead ( 1 John 2:9, 1 John 3:14), and we must show that we love each other in deed and in truth ( 1 John 3:18).
It is interesting to me that the Christian in Corinth who sinned so tragically in a case of incest ( 1 Corinthians 5) was finally disciplined after Paul urged such action. This action was not out of hate, but so he could possibly "be saved in the day of Christ," 1 Corinthians 5:5. In 2 Corinthians 2:6, Paul speaks of the punishment which had been inflicted on the immoral Christian by the congregation. Is it not great that the congregations action caused the man to repent? Paul urged the church to "forgive and comfort him" lest he be swallowed by excessive sorrow. He said "I Beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him."
Somehow I see in that passage a foreshadowing of the affection and hugging that takes place toward a newly baptized Christian or the wayward Christian who returns to the Lord. That display of love is a real strengthener for most people. Let's not forget to "let brotherly love continue" after the initial show of love. By the way, I love this congregation and I appreciate your love as expressed toward me and my family. We all have our faults, but thanks for loving us, "warts and all."