As Paul prepares to conclude this book to those of the church living in Rome, he advises them to greet each other with a holy kiss. This is to be an expression of brotherly love In which they embrace with a kiss on the face, not the lips. This is to be a mutual way to say hello to each other. It is also a way for them to express love to another person in God’s family. It is not so strange in today’s world in which family members greet each other with a hug and a kiss. The same should be true of believers gathered together.
It was his concern that the members of the church strengthen their love, one to another. He preferred the church members endear all the Christians among the congregation. At that time during the expansion of Christianity every church member had a personal responsibility to verify their support and admiration of each other.
As with many things and situations, there is a difference between holy and secular. In this case, Paul is not rebuking the secular use of a kiss for it does have its place. However, this action must verify the unity maintained within the church. This is a kiss of loyalty and devotion. He is not recommending anything connected to being lascivious or carnal based. Of course, this holy kiss is in direct opposition to the one given in treachery by Judas when he betrayed Christ with a kiss. His kiss had no sincerity or supportive meaning. It was only a sign to indicate to the enemy and verify for them the identity of Jesus so that he might be taken into custody for trial.
This method of greeting each other must be above any form of reproach. It must not have any ulterior motive. The relationship between Christians must as always be on the basis of holiness. In the church today, the greeting of another must be genuine and sincere. We, unlike the ancients, do not kiss in church as part of the greeting. We usually shake hands or maybe offer a hug. The church must be a place of holiness. Unfortunately, the modern congregation tolerates anything but holiness. We are to be a set aside people. Whether it is a kiss, a hug, or handshake, there must be sincerity behind it.
The minute we congregate together we have created that which should be a holy environment. It is not just a place of a social gathering. When believers come together, it should be understood that the Holy Spirit is among them. Our first identity must be that we are a holy people who support and encourage each other. We must be people who would not offer anything in the midst that is questionable or displays any connection or display of worldliness. To greet each other on the basis of holiness is to declare a kinship of all those who are bound to our heavenly destination as pilgrims on this earth.
Christian Writer 