Affection: Expressing care and closeness through physical touch and through words such as “I love you” or “I Care about you.” (Romans 16:16. Mark 10:16)
To Hug or Not to Hug? A good question!
There are different kinds of huggers.
- *Those that LOVE to hug everyone! “Bring it in!” as they wrap you completely in a hug!
- Those that will hug but keep a distance.They are usually side huggers or they keep a large space between you by barely wrapping their arms around your neck.
- Those that go stiff! You hug those sweet ones and they go stiff as a board.
What is your hugging style? Is it appropriate to hug everyone you know or are acquainted with? Maybe-maybe not, but perhaps the style of hug needs to vary as appropriate.
Sometimes you may need to “read” a person. If they are a “stiff as a board” hug receiver, maybe a handshake would show just the right amount of affection for them.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Affection
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
Would you read this short but powerful passage?
“(You) may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love (affection) of Christ, and to know this love (affection) that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”. (Ephesians 3:18-19)
Do you know the affections of Jesus? Do you know that God wants us to understand the depth of his love and affection for us and that He desires us to be FULL to the brim even to overflow with His love?
Would you please spend some time today reflecting on the love and affection God has for you? Would you meditate on this scripture and listen for God’s voice and what He wants to tell you about His affections for you?
This prayer in Ephesians written by Paul to the believers in Ephesus is also for us. God’s desire is the same today, for us to understand the kind of love He has for you.
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do:John 15:9-17
” As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
As believers, we have been given all that Christ has! We are to live and love with Christ as our only example, but also our power source. Let us strive to love other believers and those that have not yet come to faith with all the affection we have been given from our Heavenly Father.
Will you Be The Light of Christ and reflect His love and affection to those in your circle of influence?
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with believers and others, “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
There are many people in your circle of influence that need the love and affection of Christ today. Do you know them? They may be in need of one of those hugs we read about.
I (Linda) have wondered at times as I look out my living room window what exactly goes on within the walls of my neighbors’ houses. I know in my own home we experience all kinds of emotions, celebrations, sorrow, grief, laughter, sadness, love and my neighbors have no idea – outside of what I may tell them in conversations at the end of my driveway. How do we get beyond this to know their stories?
I know there have been a few times that just by talking with my neighbors they let me get a glimpse of what was going on in their life, and I was able to hug them, feel their sorrow. Those moments are God moments and you can bet they have a huge impact.
I guess our job is to just be available for those God moments. It’s always about relationship. If we don’t reach out and build those relationships with our neighbors, co-workers and even our church family, those moments to show our friendship and affection may not present themselves.
I know I personally need to be better about scheduling time on my calendar to invite some of the ladies in my neighborhood over or visit with a friend. What about you? Is God putting someone or something on your heart? May I pray for you? (link for email)
Whether male or female, God wants us to love others and appropriately share that love. Everyone needs love. Not everyone gets it or knows how to ask for it. Let’s not leave the lonely alone any longer than we have to…starting at home and extending to others as God opens doors!