Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted or loved dearly? By someone with whom you shared your deepest thoughts, affections, and even secrets? Someone who was once very close to you, but who later turned round, teamed up with your adversaries, and stabbed you in the back? Christ understands your pain. For, He also was cruelly wounded when one of His own disciples betrayed Him with treacherous kisses (Matthew 26:14-16; 47-56; cf. Mark 14:10-11, 43-50).
The kisses of this world are often like the kisses of Judas. Whether or not they’re planted on the feet, hands, cheeks, forehead, lips, or any other part of the body, the world’s kisses can prove to be kisses of hypocrisy, mockery, and deceit. Like “the kisses of an enemy,” they might be kisses of death (Proverbs 27:6; cf. 2 Samuel 20:9,10). But the kisses of our Lord Jesus Christ are always kisses of true friendship, kindness, and faithfulness. His kisses are kisses of abundant life.
Have you been grievously wounded by the kisses of the world? Is your heart bleeding or sore because someone you trusted or loved has stabbed you in the back? There is no need for bitterness, hate, or retaliation. Christ understands your pain and, if you allow Him, He can heal you with His own kisses of unfailing love. He longs to replace your kisses of betrayal with His kisses of blessed assurance. They are kisses of His marvelous grace, for in Him, “mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed” (Psalm 85:10). Won’t you now accept the kisses of God’s amazing grace? “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him” (Psalm 34:8)!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 