Question:
Are the references to the holy kiss at the end of 1 & 2 Corinthians, and 1 Thessalonians literal? I know of a fellowship which does practice this. Why? Why not?

Answer:
These verses are part of God’s Word, so as with all Scripture, we should study carefully what is said, and obey it.

“Greet ye one another with an holy kiss” (1 Corinthians 16:20). “Greet one another with an holy kiss” (2 Corinthians 13:12). “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26).
We are told that this greeting is for “one another,” which includes “all the brethren.” So the kiss was the customary way to greet one another when the New Testament was written. The customary greeting of people generally today in this land is a handshake.
There are times when we greet certain special loved ones today with a kiss, but the verses tell us that if we do kiss, it should be an “holy” kiss. Kissing is a tender way of showing love to those near to us, and I believe that kissing on the lips is a special act to

be reserved for a couple who is committed to each other for marriage. The bride says to her beloved in Song of Solomon 1:2: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” Let us be careful to greet “all the brethren” with tenderness and impartial love, and “have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25), not only in our greeting, but in every association we have with one another.