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)
I have a few friends that have adopted children. It is heartbreaking for me to see the effects of unloving, unsafe caregivers have on so many of the children living in the foster/adoption system.
Without the love of someone close to the child they can have stunted growth, other physical challenges, as well as slow mental development, emotional trauma, or other ways in which they fail to thrive. It is so sad! These facts really hit home since each of us is created with needs. When needs go unmet, we do not develop in a healthy way, especially as children.
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.
I love the story of Jesus and the Leper. Lepers were shunned, they were untouchable but Jesus reached and physically touched this leper and healed him!
Can you imagine the multi-faceted impact this beautiful act of affection had on the leper – to be touched first and then healed?
Do you know that no matter what our disease (physically, mentally, spiritually) we are not untouchable to God? Do you know He sees beauty when He looks at you? Do you know that He will reach for you just as He did the leper? He does my friend, He does! If He loves and touches a leper, He will love and “touch” us too.
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: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
This scripture is often used during a marriage ceremony, but imagine applying these principles to our children? When we love our kids as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, affection will be felt at a deeply emotional level.
Do you want your children to be alive and thrive?? Be patient with them. Treat them with respect. Get into their world. Rejoice with them. Mourn with them. Teach them. Bear all things. Endure. In doing so, affection will build a bridge in the relationships between you and your children.
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with your children, “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
Do you “date” your kids? Do you have one on one dates with each of your children separately? May I encourage you to?
Parents “dating” your kids is a way you can lead by example. Dad, show your daughter how a man should treat a lady. When you take her on your “date”, show courtesy and manners. Teach your son what a man of God should be. When you are out with him on “Dad/Son Time or “Man to Man”, let him see and hear you respect others and especially him. Mom, show your son how to treat a lady and teach your daughter how to be a woman of God. Your affection toward your children may be the most influential blessing they can receive and can help them feel loved and wanted.
One-on-one times with mom/dad are wonderful ways to give direct affection to your child especially if you have more than one. Each child will have a special time, with all attention and affection purposefully focused on him/her. A perfect set up to thrive! Many of us adults wish that we’d had more focused time with our parents where we were their #1 priority, at least for awhile.