Kissing is a subject that Christians have challenges understanding. Most young people, especially those in a relationship but are not married, do not know where to put the boundary regarding issues such as kissing. While most Christians understand that sex before marriage is a sin, most wonder whether kissing is a sin. So, is kissing a sin?
The epistles of Paul and Peter imply that kissing is not a sin but depends on the setting, reason, and its result. In the book of 1 Thessalonian 5:23, Paul says: Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. So, in this passage, Paul directs believers to greet each other with a holy kiss. But it is essential to note the setting and the purpose of the kiss. Therefore, if kissing is meant as a form of greeting to brethren, it is not a sin.
This article will cover why Christians cannot kiss before marriage and highlight different Bible passages that prohibit kissing before marriage. It will also explore various perspectives of verses that speak about kissing and their meaning. This post will provide you with a biblical perspective about kissing, especially before marriage, and you will learn whether it is ok to do it.
Can Christians kiss before marriage?
While the Bible does not explicitly state that Christians should not kiss before marriage, it warns us against doing things that might arouse our sexual desires. In the book of 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul tells Timothy: Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. In this passage, there is a warning to flee from youthful lusts.
The Bible states youthful lusts but does not limit the warning to the youths because even older people can have youthful lusts. According to Never Thirsty, the term lust in this passage refers to intense emotions and passions especially related to sex. Additionally, the word flee means to avoid. In other words, the Bible tells us to avoid things that will cause strong sexual desires. So, kissing is an act that can cause strong sexual desires, especially for people who are in love and are dating. Therefore, because kissing can cause strong sexual desires and lead to the sin of fornication, Christians should not kiss before marriage.
Also, in the book of Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. The Bible warns us not to think about having sex with other people if we are not married.
According to Got Question, lust is a strong desire, in this context, towards a person in a sexual way. They suggest that God forbids Christians from having such strong desires because such is considered adultery. If a Christian is not married, kissing will cause them to develop a strong desire towards their lover to whom they are not yet married. As we know, dating does not guarantee marriage, and even if one is sure to marry their partner, they are not yet husband and wife at the dating stage. Therefore, kissing is caused by lust or fuels lust, and lust is counted as adultery according to the principles laid down by Jesus Christ.
What Bible verses teach about kissing?
The Bible has numerous verses that talk about kissing, but we will look at a few that teach about kissing. In the book of Genesis 29:13, the scriptures say, So when Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Then he related to Laban all these things. In this passage, Laban is the uncle to Jacob. The two were related and had not met for a long time.
According to Desiring God, the Hebrews had cultures that were not necessarily common among others or our generation. One of the cultures was how they greeted friends or family members. Therefore, kissing was a form of greeting that was accepted in their culture and would be equivalent to a handshake or a hug in our culture. This passage would therefore imply that if kissing is an acceptable form of greeting for family and friends, then you can use it.
It is also why Paul and Peter told believers to greet each other with a Kiss. For instance, Paul says: Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you Romans 16:16, and Peter says Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. 1 Peter 5:14. From the passages, it is clear that the kissing setting was among the congregation of believers, and it was a form of greetings.
The Bible teaches kissing in a marriage setting. The book of Song of Solomon 1:2 says, Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine. The passage suggests that lovers who are married should enjoy kissing as a way of showing their love.
Does the Bible condemn kissing before marriage?
The Bible does not specifically condemn kissing before marriage. According to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the Bible strongly speaks against adultery and fornication. In the book of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the Bible says: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. Kissing before marriage is strongly likely to lead to fornication. So, although there is no commandment or warning against kissing, Christians should avoid it so they can live a sexually pure life.
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As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.
