Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 23, 2011
Hugs Of Healing- “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).
Do not be afraid to hug at home, as hugs bring healing. Sons and daughters need the secure embrace of their dad and the comforting caress of their mom. A child may be conflicted by a feeling of inadequacy or a fear of public embarrassment. It’s in this state of uncertainty that a kind hug communicates care and concern. Shed your stoic aloofness and convey a more emotional expression.
There is no need to conceal one’s need for affection, as these desires come from our divine design. God made you with a tender heart that needs the heart felt connection from another. Affectionate desires require a touch on the arm, holding hands, a kiss on the check, a pat on the back or a loving hug. Arms are meant to extend often– like the Lord does toward His needy children.
“My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him” (Psalms 89:21).
A heart full of compassion can’t help but hug. When you feel the need to physically communicate acceptance and love–you hug. Pure affection should not be a hugger’s way to get his or her needs met, rather it is an unselfish act to meet another’s need for comfort and love. Hugs are not meant to smother, but to breathe life into a loved one. Thus, hug often for someone else’s sake.
Hugs can communicate forgiveness, as it is an invitation into intimacy. You invite someone to enter into your present world and forget the misunderstandings of the past. Your silent hug of a hurting heart becomes heaven’s vessel for healing. Cold aloneness and fear are flushed out with a warm embrace. It’s tears of relief that flow from the eyes of a soul cradled in the arms of compassion.
“Then he [Joseph] threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them” (Genesis 45:14-15a).
People cannot hug themselves, but you can. An individual is not capable of a self-hug. Furthermore, use your unselfish hugs as an advertisement for Jesus. Explain how the compassion of Christ compels you to embrace with eternal energy. Be generous with your emotions, and experience it’s healing dividends.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13).
Who in my life needs a regular embrace of comfort and compassion? From whom do I need regular hugs?
Related Readings: John 12:38, Romans 16:16; 2 Peter 1:7; James 5:11
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