Is Kissing a Sin?

One of the burning questions that crosses the minds of most Christian youths is whether kissing before marriage is a sin in the eyes of God.

Some Christians are fine with steering clear of such intimacy until they officially tie the knot. But when it’s a rampant practice in the society, confusion and temptation inevitably creep in, and if they find themselves in the act, guilt is sure to follow.

I also believe adults sometimes struggle to find the right words on this topic because the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that kissing someone you’re not married to is a sin.

However, with patience and diligent searching of the scriptures, we learn that God’s Word has answers to all our queries, including whether kissing is a sin.

So, let’s dive into the scriptures and see if God sheds any light on this issue. This will help us determine if we’re truly honoring God in this area or not.

Now, understand that this isn’t an attempt to heap guilt on anyone, but rather to set us free from a potentially wrong mindset.

The first scripture that came to mind when I was on the lookout for Bible verses about this is Galatians 5:19. While it doesn’t mention the word “kissing” outright, there’s an umbrella term that covers it—sensuality.

Sensuality refers to anything that provokes pleasurable or erotic sensations, and kissing undeniably fits under that category. You wouldn’t go around kissing your brother, sister, mother, father, or even friends. Kissing stirs up a longing toward someone you’re erotically drawn to.

Kissing can seduce and pull you into sexual temptation. It entices and lures you deeper into sensual pleasure.

Verse 21 of the same chapter in Galatians advises us to steer clear of such behaviour. Now, like sex, kissing is not sinful in the context of marriage. You can kiss your spouse just as you are permitted to have sex with them. But any sensual or erotic pleasure outside of marriage is something to avoid.

Another verse that points us in the right direction is found in Song of Solomon 8:4. This scripture urges us not to stir up love until the right time.

If kissing is sensual and arouses sexual desire, it’s best to refrain from it until you’re legally married to that person. You don’t want to give the devil a foothold and allow him to lead you into further temptation.

As sons and daughters of the Heavenly Jerusalem, we must not awaken love before we’re ready to deal with its consequences.

Finally, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit—the very Spirit of God. We should act like we don’t own them, because, ultimately, we don’t. And even if you did own it, would you go around rubbing your lips on every man or woman you come across on the street? Would you lock tongues with every stranger, knowing full well that God is residing within you?

Until you’re legally married, the other person retains the right to call off the relationship. I’m not saying they have a right to mistreat or hurt you, but they could wake up one day with their own reasons for not wanting to continue. And just like that, they become just another random person in your past.

Child of God,

The Bible may not have explicitly labeled kissing before marriage as a sin, but the verses mentioned above paint a clear picture that it’s a behavior not encouraged for singles.

So, until you’re legally married, keep your greetings to brothers and sisters as holy kisses, not erotic ones.