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)
Have you observed or considered the power of human touch? For example: You share a heartfelt moment with a friend/spouse. What is the difference in how you communicated between these two scenarios?
1: He/She listens intently, makes eye contact, shows concerned facial expressions.
2: He/She listens intently, makes eye contact and displays a concerned facial expression, AND then reaches out appropriately to give a hug, to place a hand on a shoulder, to hold you closely, or to simply hold your hand.
…a huge difference, right? Touch is so powerful!
One of my (Linda) absolute favorite stories in the Bible is when Jesus meets a leper. (Matthew 8:3) This poor soul was shunned and avoided by many people; including, more than likely, his family. He walked along the road and before him stood Jesus. I bet he expected Jesus to walk as far on the opposite side of the road as possible. But, Jesus didn’t! He walked right up and touched him! The leper was healed! Can you imagine how long it had been since someone had touched him, shown him human kindness and affection? I can’t even imagine how that contact from the hand of Jesus felt!
Affection is so important to us, isn’t it? Many people you know thrive on simple touch. My (Linda’s) husband, for example, can hardly pass by without reaching out to touch. I can’t pass him in our living room without him holding his hand up for a high five! Haha! May seem silly, but this communicates “I love you” to his heart! There are those who do not have as great a need for physical affection. A hug may not seem to mean that much; yet, I am sure a small gesture of affection would be appreciated.
God created us to thrive when appropriate affection is given. Did you know if affection is withheld completely from a newborn, he/she may not survive? A newborn can have his/her basic physical needs met – such as feeding, but withholding touch and tenderness can do grave harm? That’s how critical affection can be! You may have read about the horrible experiments done in WWII by the Nazi’s on babies that gruesomely proved the point.
Affection, human touch, affectionate words…all express care and love. How will you show affection to those about whom you care? To Friends: Show affection as appropriate. To Kids: Show them as much affection as you can, they crave it! The point is, God created us to need human touch and verbal expressions of care. We can be God’s hands and feet in so many ways, as we love others in His name. He communicates His love to us every moment of every day, and He gives us the privilege of receiving and giving His love too. Isn’t that amazing!?
1, Walk in the light of fresh encounters with Jesus Christ: OK, I know that in the present era God doesn’t usually make Himself known to us in the physical form of Jesus Christ. When Jesus lived on earth, He was observed, heard, seen, and touched by many. Because Jesus ascended back to heaven and ever “lives to make intercession” for us at God’s right hand, He has left the Holy Spirit to comfort and teach us. Though He may not physically touch you today, He longs to share words of affection and care with you – straight to your heart from His Word and by Holy Spirit.
2. Walk in the Light of God’s Word – Do The Book! – Try this:
Read or quote John 3:16 a few times. After this ask God if this verse applies to you. Ask your Father God how He feels about you and what He thinks of you.
Do Psalm 46:10. Shhh… Be quiet a few seconds or more and just ask and listen.
Remember God IS love and He cares about you. I John 4:18-19; I Peter 5:7
3. Now, walk in the Light of Real Fellowship with Other Disciples of Jesus: Share with a fellow believer – spouse, child, friend other than family, co-worker about your experience of encountering Jesus and doing the Book. Does Jesus love you? Absolutely. Do we always feel loved? No. Can we know we are loved and belong to God’s forever family? Yes; How good does it feel to be wanted and known and kept? Have a meaningful conversation about eternal truths that apply to today.