The Kiss

I have no idea where God is taking me with this, but for three days in a row he has brought "the kiss" to mind.  Maybe some of you are teaching youth/college students and looking for a Biblical resource on the topic of kissing. 

Maybe someone is headed abroad this spring and needs some information on "cheek kisses." There is actually a plethora of articles on this topic. I've included some links at the end. 

Possibly, you are like me and you smother your grandchildren in kisses.  I bet I kiss our infant granddaughter more than ten times a day on her fat little cheeks and sweet little neck when she stays with me. 

Recently, I received a greeting from a Nigerian sister in Christ and it included being held by the shoulders and "air kissed" on both cheeks. It was so sincere and oozed with sisterly love.  

We have a vibrant German Baptist community in our area and these men greet one another with a holy kiss right on the lips. 

Kisses come from God. He is the Creator of the kiss and has a purpose for them.

Kisses of all kinds ooze affection. Merriman Webster defines affection as "a feeling of liking or caring for someone or something, a tender attachment, a fondness."

When I think of "the kiss" I think of the term endearment.  We bestow kisses on those who are dear to us.  They are used for both a welcoming and a farewell. Kisses show love, desire and appreciation. Rarely do my husband and I allow another out of our site without sealing the exit with a kiss. 

We were attending one of our oldest grandson's high school lacrosse games last week in Richmond and explained that we would have to bolt right after the game to try to get home by 11PM.  After the game we waved good-bye to him on the field as the teams were shaking hands.  As soon as he made it through the line of opponents he, then shook the hands of the referees and raced up the steps to where we were coming out of the stands and laid a big sweaty hug on us. (Makes me cry right now.) It was the first time I'd ever kissed a lacrosse helmet! But he knew he was sealed with our love.

I prayed he didn't get berated by his coach for leaving the field to hug has as he did once at a football game.  Guess he figures it is worth it never knowing how long your grandparents will be around.

Whatever is up with you and the kissing realm, there are a lot of articles out there on the topic.  Have fun with this one and I'm praying you get kissed by someone today.

Let's start with Bible Kisses.

https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/when-is-kissing-good-or-bad-according-to-the-bible/

Genesis 27:26-27 –Isaac kissed his father Jacob.
Genesis 29:11 – Jacob kissed his cousin Rachel.
Genesis 31:55 – Laban kissed his sons and daughters.
Genesis 45:15 – Joseph kissed all of his brothers.
Exodus 18:7 – Moses kissed his father-in-law.
Ruth 1:14 – Oprah kissed her mother-in-law.
1 Samuel 10:1 – The prophet Samuel kissed Saul.
Proverbs 7:13 – A prostitute kissed a man.
Song of Solomon 1:2 – A bride desires her fiancé would kiss her. (They do not).
Song of Solomon 8:1 – A wife desires to kiss her husband.
Matthew 26:49 – Judas kissed Jesus.
Romans 16:16 – holy kiss
1 Corinthians 16:20– holy kiss
2 Corinthians 13:12– holy kiss
1 Thessalonians 5:26– holy kiss
1 Peter 5:14– holy kiss

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-the-bible-say-about-kissing.html

What follows are nine verses which describe nine different types of kisses as mentioned in the Scriptures:

- Kisses of reverent affection (Luke 7:38). 

- Kisses of reunion (2 Samuel 14:33)  

- Kisses when departing each other’s company (Ruth 1:14)

- Kisses which show respect to another (Psalm 2:12) 

- Parental kisses between parents and children (Exodus 18:7)

- Kisses among male members of families (Genesis 45:15) 

- Kisses denoting brotherly love in fellowship and worship (Romans 16:16) 

- Kissing an idol (Hosea 13:2) 

- The kisses of a lover (spouse) – Song of Solomon

The Holy Kiss

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/greet-with-a-holy-kiss

If you are about to travel abroad be correctly prepared...

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/a-guide-to-kissing-etiquette-around-the-world

• One Kiss: Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, the Philippines
• Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes)
• Three Kisses: Belgium, Slovenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Egypt, and Russia (where it’s accompanied by a bear hug)

Socialite Holly Holden says these are

“The general guidelines for a social kiss”

• A social kiss is usually from right cheek to right cheek. But sometimes, depending on the culture and tradition of a country or region, it is from the left cheek to the left cheek. If you’re in another country, take the cue from them… and, good luck with that!
• Your lips never touch the other person’s cheek.
• Your cheek does not need to touch the other person's cheek; it’s your choice.
• Ladies, if you wear lipstick, just be careful not to leave it on the other person’s cheek!
• A gentleman properly waits for a lady to extend her hand first for a handshake. For the social kiss, he should also wait for a lady to be the first to lean forward, which is the cue that it is appropriate for a social kiss.
• In some countries, one, up to three social kisses are common. My advice is to go with the flow and just be prepared “to do the dance” for that surprise third, or even fourth kiss!  
  

The Song

"One Kiss From Heaven" Jordan Smith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ToJpkcMlb4