In Bible times, a customary greeting from person to person was a kiss on the cheek or forehead. This greeting did not originate with Paul or Christianity (it was already a custom in that time), but God wanted Christians to regulate the greeting and keep it sincere, genuine and holy. Thus, multiple times in Scripture, Christians are exhorted, “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14).
Roy Deaver pointed out these four points of emphases: (1) the absence of formality, (2) the absence of hypocrisy, (3) the absence of social distinctions or partiality, (4) brotherly love.
The customary form of greeting today is a handshake (rather than a kiss) or even a hug between those who know each other well. God’s emphasis to each of us is to keep it holy – don’t just make it a formality, don’t do it hypocritically, don’t do it with partiality. Greet one another with sincere, genuine brotherly love! Next time you shake hands, think about it.