Showing Love

Romans 16:16 says: "Greet one another with a holy kiss"

John states in chapter 13: ""A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""

Loving one another does not just mean between saved and unsaved, but also in relationships between the saved.

I remember back when D.C. Talk was putting out radio hits, the lyrics to one of their songs said "Love is a verb"; meaning love requires action.

I, for one, grew up in a loving home. I kissed my mom, my dad, as well as other family members. I was always shown love, and remember my parents telling me that they loved me every night before bed.

Even after getting married, if my wife and I would stay at my parents home, my mother would kiss me goodnight.

Five different locations in the New Testament, the text commands that we greet each other with a holy kiss. As I think about this, the only people I kiss every time I see them, is my wife, and my late mother. Often times if I or my wife forget a kiss before one of us goes to work, or when we come home, one will remind the other.

At work, however, many of us do not do it; and at church, our greeters welcome people with a handshake. Some churches I have been to do hug, but still no kiss.

Actually, the last time I was in church, when you "greet those around you", I dont know why, but I hugged the lady sitting next to me. It was an accident, and definitely caught her by surprise, as she was expecting a typical handshake. I dont know why I need to give her a hug, but she got it.

Growing up, I remember a sermon by my pastor telling husbands to touch their wives eleven times throughout the day. He specified that they must be loving touches, and not all at one time. This is something that I practice today with my wife, and while I might not get in all eleven everyday (because I no longer keep count, but I did at one time) she fully understands that I love her. Love in marriages should be the most obvisious, and blatant actions, some reserved for privacy, and some shown in public.

Amoungst friends, love needs to be shown through actions as well. Be willing to go the distance for your friends, and they will do the same. Forgive when you have been wronged, and they friendship will grow stronger. Seek forgiveness when you need to; be open and willing to share life experiences. Friends are who you can turn to, when you seek comfort, companionship, trust, just about anything really. I suppose a holy kiss could depend on how well you know each other, and comfort levels. I personally do not kiss, but I am okay with hugs. I guess maybe I dont even do that, very often.

Showing love to strangers is a bit different, and I wouldnt suggest going right in for a holy kiss, your likely to get slapped or punched, I would suggest random acts of kindness. Offering to assist the elderly, or giving praise to one another. When you see a man hold the door for a woman, tell him that you enjoy knowing chivilary is still around. Compliments are awkward to receive at the moment, however they reside and build confidence over time.

Has our society convinced us to stop greeting with a holy kiss? Should we settle with a handshake? Is a hug the new kiss?