KISSES ARE BIBLICAL

I’m just reporting. Real life application is your department.

🙂 The ‘First Date’ Kiss (Jacob and Rachel): “Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud.” (Genesis 29:11). This occurred at their first encounter, apparently before they spoke but not before he performed a kind act of service for her. As soon as Rachel’s father found out about it, he (brace yourself) also hugged and kissed Jacob (see Genesis 29:13). It never quite worked this way for me.

🙂 The Bury-the-Hatchet Kiss (Jacob and Esau). Jacob, a conniving twin, capitalized on his brother’s hunger to usurp his birthright for a pot of porridge. Later, Jacob stole Esau’s rightful blessing (with a kiss). After a twenty-year cooling off period, Jacob returned unsure of what Esau would do when they met. Here’s what happened: “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him.”(Genesis 33:4). This would not be the last reunion hug for Jacob (see Genesis 46:29) and there was more kissing to come for Jacob as a grandpa (see Genesis 48:10). Jacob was quite a kisser.

🙂 The Group Hug & Kiss (Joseph, Benjamin and their brothers). I guess the apples don’t fall far from the tree. Jacob’s sons also had their disagreements followed by a teary reunion. Treachery ran its ugly course but a severe famine helped bring a long sibling separation to an end. When Joseph finally revealed his identity, “…he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them.” (Genesis 45:14-15). All this before Kleenex existed.

🙂 The Romantic Kiss (man and woman): “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth–for your love is more delightful than wine.”(Song of Songs 1:2). Sweet! However, such feelings can be hard to hold. I once saw a bumper-sticker that read, “When did wine, women and song become beer, the old lady and TV?”)

😐 The Inaugural Kiss (Samuel and Saul): “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him…” (1 Samuel 10:1). Today, presidents just swear in on multiple famous Bibles.

🙂 The Friendship Kiss (David and Jonathan): “Then they kissed each other and wept together–but David wept the most.” (1 Samuel 20:41). Protecting David from the royal wrath of Jonathan’s father eventually cost Jonathan his destiny as Israel’s king. What would you give up for friendship?

🙂 The Kiss of Truth (proverbial): “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26). Both honesty and kisses involve risk. Take it. No pain, no gain.

🙂 The ‘Mother-in-Law’ kiss (Naomi, Ruth and Orpah): “May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband. Then she kissed them and they wept aloud…”(Ruth 1:9). For Orpah, it was a goodbye kiss. Not for Ruth.

😐 The Kiss of Humble Repentance (Jesus and a sinful woman): “Then she wiped them [Jesus’ feet] with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 7:38). That Jesus allowed this outraged his hosts. Unfazed, Jesus replied, “You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered has not stopped kissing my feet.” (Luke 7:45).

🙂 The All-is-Forgiven Kiss (Father and Prodigal Son): “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20). Jesus was talking about how his Father treats sorry sinners like me.

🙁 The Traitor’s Kiss (Judas and Jesus): “Judas said, ‘Greetings Rabbi!’ and kissed him.” (Matthew 26:49). Jesus said, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48). What better way is there to betray a trusted friend?

😐 The Elders and Evangelist Hug and Kiss (The Ephesian elders and Paul): “They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.” (Acts 20:37). Memo to my elders: Don’t get any ideas.

🙂 The Holy Kiss (multiple references): “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; and 1 Peter 5:14).
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Being biblical is a passion for true believers. But discretion is the better part of passion so be careful out there!
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Photo Credits
Juda’s Betrayal

Sailor’s Kiss
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Editor’s Note

For those of you who don’t know Joel, he photo is the featured image along with content managers Brett and Emily. (the bride and groom) The featured image is courtesy of Midwest Life Shots

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