How Does Your Kissing Rate?

Kissing—a fun activity, to be sure. People talk about it, write about it, sometimes tell-all about it. It’s a great topic. And it’s kind of important. For example, I read a Susie May Warren book a while back where the heroine was dating this movie star-pretty guy, with an accent no less. The romantic tension built and you knew that wonderful moment of first-kissiness was fast approaching and then, he kissed like a fish and slobbered all over her face. Trust me, it did nothing for the romantic mood--hers nor mine.

But did you know that the Bible has something to say about kissing? And no, I’m not talking about that favorite verse of teenage boys everywhere--the instruction to greet one another with a holy kiss. Rather, I’m referring to a section from the Book of Ephesians in chapter four. Now, before you think I’m amazingly insightful, I need to mention I am stealing this (with permission) from my friend, the guy who is filling in as our pastor for the time being, Robin Wood.

I’m learning Robin has a knack for discovering amazing nuggets in Scripture and what he shared today is no exception. The Scripture he used was Ephesians 4:29 – 5:1. That first verse has been important to me, something I’ve tried to live by (notice the “try”—don’t always succeed, but I continue to work on it). However, I’d never thought this was a guide to being a good kisser. Here’s how Robin said God laid it out for him.



ind. This Scripture tells us to be kind. Am I being kind in my thoughts and actions when I kiss my spouse? On the surface that seems easy enough but I really had to ponder that. Do I let my mind wander from my focus on him and his likes and needs?



ntimate. We’re told not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Robin pointed out that how we are with our spouses, how we treat them, can grieve the Holy Spirit—if we shut them out and do not lay ourselves transparently before them, we are not intimate with them.



elf-esteem. This one hit home to me. We’re not who everyone says we are, we’re not who we say we are. We are who God says we are. But truth be told, we glean most of our self esteem from the person who has the most significance to us. We see our reflection in his/her eyes. Do I let my respect and love for my husband show strong enough that he knows it and lives in it? We need to be mirrors for each other that reflect an image of how God sees us, building each other up and removing bitterness and words, said even in jest, that tear down those we love the most.



ecurity. In offering forgiveness, just like God has forgiven each of us, we offer a haven of security. We know that even when we mess up, there is love and forgiveness and not malice and retribution to bind us together in love.

So I ask again, how does your kissing rate? Don’t know about you, but I think I need more practice. Now where did Phil go?

Abundant blessings!