1 CORINTHIANS 16
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. – 1 Corinthians 16:19-24
1 CORINTHIANS 16 WHEN ONE HAS NO LOVE FOR GOD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When one has no love for God, they will be proud
When there is no acknowledgement of someone higher than you
You will think highly of yourself and be partial to others
You will not be accountable to those who are your neighbors
You will only be concerned with satisfying your cravings
There will be no room for worshiping a higher being.
According to some sources online, in many Middle Eastern cultures, kissing, particularly on the cheek, is a common greeting gesture among family and close friends, signifying affection and respect. The number of kisses and the specific context (e.g., between men, women, or mixed genders) can vary significantly based on region, relationship, and personal preference. In some areas, like the Gulf states, physical contact between unrelated men and women is more restricted.
In this letter, Paul urges the saints to greet each other with a holy kiss. In those times and probably until now, in the Middle East, they greet one another with a kiss. It is part of their culture. But what is a holy kiss? According to another source: “ In the Bible, a ‘holy kiss’ is a form of greeting and expression of brotherly love and unity among believers, particularly within the early Christian church. It was a common practice in the Middle East during that time and was meant to convey genuine affection, acceptance, and peace. The term “holy” distinguishes it from a romantic or sexual kiss and emphasizes its purpose as a genuine expression of Christian love. So, if anyone has no love for the Lord, how could one possibly engage in this holy kiss? It is not possible, is it?
REFLECTION
- What are manifestations of a “holy kiss” in our modern-day Christian community?
