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Romans 16:16 |
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Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Note 29 at Ro 16:16: This is one of five times in Scripture where we are exhorted to greet other believers with a holy kiss, or a kiss of charity (see also 1Co 16:20, 2Co 13:12, 1Th 5:26, and 1Pe 5:14).
The culture of Paul's day used a kiss as a greeting, just as we still see in various other cultures today. However, Paul's repeated use of this custom in his instructions to the believers would suggest that he advocated it as a Christian custom. It is certain that Christians have more reason to greet one another with a kiss than anyone else.
It needs to be noted that in each reference to this, there is a specific mention of this being a holy kiss, or kiss of charity. That qualifies the manner in which this is to be done. This certainly is not an opportunity for people to exercise their lusts. This should be motivated only by the holiest Christian love for fellow believers.
If this kiss of charity is misunderstood or not wanted by the person receiving it, then it would certainly be inappropriate to give it.

