The “kiss of charity” (or the “holy kiss” as it is sometimes called) is one of the forms of Christian greeting taught in the New Testament.
There are three forms for greeting brothers and sisters in Christ. There was greeting by name (3 John 4); greeting by right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2: 9); and greeting with the kiss of love (1 Peter 5:14; Romans 16:16; etc.). The kiss of charity is a holy kiss; it is to be observed between brethren and brethren and sisters and sisters.
There are appropriate times and places for all three of the forms of Christian greeting mentioned in the New Testament. However, the handshake does not quite convey the fullness of emotion that is demonstrated by the holy kiss. The early church practiced the kiss of love on each of the following occasions;
(a) At the close of a worship service (or at some specific time during the service).(b) When persons separated for a long time (or met after a long separation).
(c) During the lovefeast service.
(d) When a new member was received into the church fellowship.
The kiss of charity is a symbol of love and affection. When fellow Christians practice it, they are saying, “I love you; there is no enmity between us.” The kiss is also a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness. The husband who plants a kiss on the cheek of his wife as he leaves for work in the morning, says “I’ll be true to you.”
The holy kiss was a common practice among early believers. Augustine said that Christians demonstrated their inward love by the outward kiss. The kiss among fellow believers is a sign that all injuries are forgotten, all wrongs are forgiven, and that believers are indeed one in the Lord. The symbol needs to be observed today.
Christianity does not consist merely in observing ordinances (symbols), but nevertheless the symbols we discussed on this page during the past year are perpetual reminders of great Christian truths, and so we need to emphasize more than is often done, the meaning of the ordinances which God’s Word commands us to observe. People seem to go for symbols in our day (the peace symbol; a cross on a chain around the neck; etc.) – but our responsibility is to observe the symbols the Lord has chosen. Why should we tamper with them and try to change them?
March/April 1976