Greet One Another
Kissing has been around forever. But how did kissing come about? Texas A&M University Professor of Anthropology Vaughn Bryant said, “The most likely origin has to do with smell. Early humans may have recognized one another by smell, developing a practice known as the “sniff kiss,” seen in a number of cultures, whereby people smelled each other’s cheeks as a greeting. The earliest and best references to kissing come from India where “kiss” and “sniff” were referred to by the same word. Numerous Indian texts refer to several different types of kissing.” Bryant then concluded that kissing as we know it today originated in India. Alexander the Great conquered India in the 4th century B.C., which brought this practice to the Greek empire and later to Rome.
In Europe, there is still a practice of greeting one another with a kiss on the cheek or both cheeks. So when we read what Paul writes in Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss,” we don’t fully understand this command because this type of greeting is not practiced in our American culture. We are more inclined to a handshake or a hug. The main message though should still be the same, we are to greet one another. Greeting one another displays great messages to the recipients.
Our greeting should show our acceptance (14:1; 15:7). When you extend your right hand or open your arms to go in for a hug, you are letting that person know you accept them. As Christians, it is essential to show our acceptance of one another. Unity among the Lord’s body is vital for the growth of it. It doesn’t matter which flock of the Lord’s body anybody belongs to. If the Lord accepts them, then we should accept them. We can display that acceptance through a hug or a handshake.
Our greeting should show our love (13:8). Paul drives home a strong point in chapter 13. He lets these Christians know that they should only owe love to their brothers and sisters. We often greet our spouses and family members to express our love. Do we show that same love to our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Our greeting should be holy (16:16). Another applicable point to be made from Paul’s statement in Romans 16:16 is that this greeting should be done by a holy person. Paul has been encouraging holiness throughout this letter. Now, these Christians can express their holiness through their greetings. We want to show we are not of this world but have been transformed. This would allow us to offer a holy greeting to our brothers and sisters.
Can I encourage you with a task? Greet someone next time you are at the church building for a service. Don’t just greet your normal friend group, but go and greet three brothers or sisters you don’t normally greet. Give them a hug or a handshake and let them know that you accept them, love them, and want to be holy with them.