“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ

salute you” (Romans 16:16).

It is without question that Believers should endeavor to be a

blessing to one another. So then should our greetings at church

be a blessing and encouragement to others, both visitors, friends

and members of the assembly.

The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians to “salute” or “greet”

one another. From our text, which is directed to the church at

Rome, instruction is given to greet with “an holy kiss.” Also, this

instruction is given to the churches at Corinth and Thessalonica

(2 Cor.13:12; 1 Thes.5:26). Even Peter mentions it (1 Pet.5:14).

This greeting was a Mid-Eastern custom in those days. Today,

our similar custom is the hearty handshake. We shouldn’t hold

back from shaking peoples hands. The principle of the greeting

is biblical and it is commanded (1 Cor.16:20).

Our greetings should be by name, “Greet the friends by name”

(3 John 14). The Apostle John used the Greek imperative. It is a

“must.” And we should make a major effort to know peoples’

names. Especially, those visiting our churches.

We have all been to those churches that we thought were

unfriendly. We, personally, need to make every effort to be

friendly, both to the faithful brethren and to the visitors.

The biblical principle: "A man that hath friends must shew

himself friendly" (Proverbs 18:24). This is the principle for

having a friendly church.

We should try to visit with everyone, endeavoring not to

captivate the time and attention of any one person. Most people

will politely endure, but the possibility of becoming irritating is

great. A biblical principle, that can well apply at church, says,

“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house; lest he be weary

of thee, and so hate thee” (Proverbs 25:17). We should not be a

nuisance, but rather we should be personable, friendly, and

have a hearty hand shake in our greetings.

-CAR