According to God's word, we are supposed "to greet each other with a kiss of love." Why don't we do that?

Question

Biblical Verse: 1 Peter 5:14 - "Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen."

Why are people so hesitant to kiss each other in a friendly way, expecially the guys? The bible makes it pretty clear that this is the right thing to do. Also Jesus kissed his disciples all the time. Why don't/shouldn't we kiss all our friends like it says to do in the Bible?

Answer 1

Love in English isn't the same as love in Koine Greek.

In English, you can love chocolate, love your dog, love your grandmother, and love your wife. We only have one word to cover an entire gambit of meaning.

In Greek, there were five words that were translated into the English word love.

This particular word is the purest. It is a love that exists exclusively for the object of the love. It is self-less.

Thus, this "kiss" is not only an expression of greeting, but is meant to convey unconditional welcome and hospitality. If we are all brothers in Christ, thus family, this kiss would express that sense of unity.

Why don't we do that today? Our society doesn't embrace that particular nuance of those ancient cultures.

Sad too, I think the world would be a better place if simple motions of affection were more pronounced today.

Answer 2

Actually, this was done in churches for some time... I can recall back in the Seventies that it was done in some Catholic Churches. Instead of kissing now, most have gone with a handshake. Perhaps it became an issue with germs... but we all know that we can spread germs just as easily with our hands. In our society it seems kissing has its place mainly in a marriage and within family, sometimes friends. I guess we reserve it for those we love most.

Answer 3

Because some folks took the kissing thing a little too far. As a result we have fatal diseases and other very nasty STD's. So to offer a kiss is like offering the plague nowadays. I'll pass. I don't even shake hands anymore because of the germs and bacteria.

Answer 4

As sop many traditions do . times have changed , but notice he Kissed only those he was close to , he did not go down the road kissing people,
If you will allow Me I would like to tell you Paul always ended his Letters with a Salutation and or a kiss . Except Timothy's another reason to question Timothy's letter being from Paul.

Answer 5

There are MANY Fundamental Baptist Churches world wide where this is done.
Mostly with a big hug and never a moth to mouth kiss.

""A Holy Kiss"" can be interpreted as just physical contact - not necessarily a ""peck"" as we know a kiss today.

When Billiard Balls Collide in that game it is referred to as ""a KISS"".

Answer 6

Some churches do and feel comfortable doing so, but since kissing isn't widely accepted in our culture (outside of romance), we go the way of Paul and adapt to the culture (without sinning) in order to reach its people. In this case that translates into hugs and handshakes instead of kisses.

Answer 7

Social custom is different than a commandment. The bible also says to avoid the appearance of evil.

Answer 8

When the bible was written that was their culture. Just like the way men ruled over women and people who were sick were shunned.

Answer 9

Because I don't want that guys fist down my throat when I kiss his girlfriend!

Answer 10

Well the reason why we don't do that because some people thing that might be a fornication in God. But here in American Samoa where I live we do that because to welcome other people that visit our church.