Note 29 at Rom. 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 ref. r at this verse).

The culture of Paul's day used a kiss as a greeting just as we still see in the Arab cultures of 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 someone to exercise his lusts. This should be motivated only by the holiest Christian love for a fellow believer.

If this kiss of charity is misunderstood or not wanted by the person receiving it, then it would certainly be inappropriate to give it.