I learn a lot from my mechanic friend being the head of their family’s big business. The three brothers each have a role to play. The oldest is very good at solving problems. If there’s a problem with a vehicle that a branch can’t solve, they call him. He will listen over the phone and tell them where to find the cause of the defect. 

The other brother is the head of the parts section. He makes sure the business runs like a well-oiled machine. 

One thing struck me about these three brothers. When they greet each other, they kiss each other. On the mouth. The first time I saw it, I found it quite funny to see these three big men kissing each other like that. 

Later I realised that it was more than just a greeting. For them, it is a way to convey their love for each other. They invite each other into their personal bubbles and open themselves up for the other to enter. 

This is where they see each other’s inner turmoil. This is where they hear each other’s heartbeat. This is where they can quickly find out if something is wrong and where they can make a difference in each other’s worlds. 

Petrus also made such a proposal: 14Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love (GNT).  

I don’t believe we now need to start kissing our friends on the mouth. But I see more often, also in my circle of friends, that men hug each other when they greet each other. 

I realise that it’s not really about the way we do it. Whether we kiss or hug each other or simply shake hands, it’s more about whether we invite our brother and sister into our world in true love. 

But more than that, it’s whether you are willing to enter the other person’s world with love. The Message translation encourages us to: 14Give holy hugs all around! 

It’s so easy to ask how things are going, without even waiting and listening to what the other person is saying. People very easily say: “Okay, thank you!”, while they’re actually struggling to catch their breath under all the pressure. 

Add the pressures and struggles of the world, and chances are that we’re not really connecting. Then, when our world is suddenly brought to a standstill by some crisis, we find that we’re all alone among a bunch of friends and family. 

Therefore, this is a task for each of us. Greet one another with love and care. Invite the other person into your world. Hug or even kiss. When you greet, take hold of the other person’s hand with both of yours. 

Look them in the eyes and ask how they’re doing. Ask again: How are you really doing, and wait for the answer. Then, as my friend always asks, simply ask: What can I do for you? I know we’d be surprised how many people are stuck somewhere just waiting for our real caring love to show up so that they can give an honest answer to this question. May we make a big difference in the lives of others when we show up in their lives with genuine love.  

Scripture
1 Peter 5:12-14 

Reflection
How do you greet people?
Do you listen to their reply?
Do you do something in response to their reply? 

Prayer
Father, thank you for the privilege to greet and cover others in sincere love. Please help me to really care and act. Amen.