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What does the Bible say about hugging in public?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible does not forbid appropriate public affection, but calls Christians to express love with purity, self-control, and respect for others. Romans 16:16 commends a holy greeting among believers, showing that physical warmth can rightly reflect sincere fellowship. Yet Hebrews 13:4 honors marriage, and 1 Corinthians 7:1 encourages conduct that guards sexual purity, so affection should not stir lust, invite temptation, or disregard one’s covenant commitments. Hebrews 13:1 urges brotherly love, while Romans 5:5 reminds us that God’s love is poured into believers’ hearts by the Holy Spirit. Christians should therefore act thoughtfully, seeking to honor Christ and care for the conscience and well-being of those around them.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Hebrews 13:1

    Let brotherly love continue.

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16

    Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,

  • Romans 16:16

    Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

  • John 3:16-17

    [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

  • Romans 5:5

    and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:1

    Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman.

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

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