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"Greet one another with a holy kiss."

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:12

A LOVING BENEDICTION

Paul’s conclusion of his long second epistle to the Corinthians ended with a loving benediction. It reflects the heart of a great servant of the Lord.

“Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
2 Corinthians 13:12-14

1. “Greet one another with a holy kiss”

a) Paul desired the brethren to practise graciousness and love among themselves.

b) They must not forget to greet each other sincerely and warmly.

c) The kiss was a typical way of greeting each other.

d) The word “holy” emphasises deep affection.

2. “All the saints greet you”

a) There were other churches who were praying for the Corinthians.

b) All of them were concerned about the welfare of the Corinthian brethren.

c) They had sent their warm greetings to the Corinthian Church.

3. A Trinitarian Benediction

Paul’s pronouncement of a trinitarian benediction is not without significance!

a) “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”

i) His grace had always stood out for Paul.

ii) There was grace for salvation.

iii) And grace for sanctification.

iv) And more grace for service and survival in the hard times of life.

b) “And the love of God”

i) He is aptly described as “the God of love and peace” (2 Corinthians 13:11).

ii) It was out of love that the plan of salvation was conceived and executed.

iii) That love was poured out into our hearts (Romans 5:5, 8).

c) “And the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”

i) The Spirit of God resides within the believer.

ii) He is also among the brethren in the Church.

iii) He is there in communion (that is, in fellowship) with the brethren.