Daily Devotional

I am Italian through and through. As such, it has been ingrained in me to greet anyone who crosses my path—on the street, in a store, and especially in the church gathering. It has been four years since the beginning of that horrible season of “shelter in place” and “masked social distancing.”

Oh, how I missed the personal contact during those long months. I anxiously awaited the restrictions being lifted and the doors of our homes, businesses, and churches opened wide. I expected to be hoarse shouting, “Good morning!” to hundreds every week as we met.

And, when it was deemed safer, I greeted many of you with a hug and, for some, an Italian kiss on the cheek or forehead. Even you “non-huggy” types bore with me—and others like me. (We Latin types were on the move!)

However, I am struck by this passage in Psalm 85:10. I picture four people meeting and giving each other “a holy kiss” of greeting. Each of them represents an attribute of the Holy God lived out in their lives:
 
Person #1: Lovingkindness
Person #2: Truth
Person #3:  Righteousness
Person #4:  Peace
 
Talk about a “holy huddle” worth joining. Let’s ask ourselves: “What godly quality do I hope to bring to my next group hug?” Let’s open our arms even wider to lovingkindness, truth, righteousness, and peace. I remind us of the words of Scripture: “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16; cf. 1 Corinthians  16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). If it was good enough for the early church, it is good enough for us. See you at church! And feel free to give me a “holy hug.”

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation