Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
2 Corinthians 13:11 - 12
One of my mentors was the pastor at a church for 43 years before he retired. One way he would greet older ladies and young girls was by giving them a short peck on the cheek. One day I asked him, “Pastor, not many people can make that kind of greeting work. What’s the secret?”
And he told me, “Just make sure they’re either old enough or young enough, because somewhere in the middle is bound to get you a punch in the mouth!”
The truth is, in many cultures, a kiss on the cheek or lips is an appropriate way of greeting. Greeting with a kiss is much less common today than it was in biblical times, as there are other things we do to extend a warm welcome. Whether it’s a hug or a handshake, the command of the Scriptures is to greet other believers in a way that quickly says, “I accept you.”
So however is most appropriate in your setting, make others feel welcome. When you express warmth and genuine acceptance to others in the faith, you’ll find genuine fellowship and grace that transcends any boundary!
EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO ALL PEOPLE AND YOU’LL CULTIVATE AN ATMOSPHERE OF GENUINE FELLOWSHIP!
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