His Healing Touch
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Do you know that frequent physical touch increases your well-being? Modern Psychology tells us that not only do hugs feel good, but they are good for us. Medical science has discovered that a hug can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and the impact isn’t fleeting, it has a long term healthy impact on our body. Jesus healed through His touch. Knowing that His Father created us with the need to be touched, Jesus used His touch to heal many people. Please read more.
Humans need physical contact. This is especially true for babies. Babies need to bond physically with their mothers. A kind pat on the back helps children in school to be more likely to participate in the classroom. Science has demonstrated that kids who don’t get enough physical affection tend to be more violent as adults. A giant hug can bring peace to a grieving friend. And finally, a soft gently touch can be a tremendous source of comfort for a sick or dying person.
Recent events regarding inappropriate touching are creating a serious cultural concern about the role of appropriate touching. Homophobia is causing men to avoid hugging other men. Movements like Me Too are causing men and woman to avoid touching one another, for fear of being accused of sexual misconduct. The pedophile headlines have caused adults of all professions (doctors, teachers, ministers and more) to avoid hugging children all together. These fears are damaging our society. It is a sad reality that today, corporations and churches have to issue guidelines that limit touching and hugging.
According to an article I read, hugs and physical touch reduce stress. They build trust. Some studies have even shown that those who more frequently receive hugs or other appropriate physical contact are less prone to infections and diseases.
Physical touch or acts of cuddling release the hormone oxytocin. This hormone helps humans connect to others, it feels good and promotes a sense of well-being and happiness. Physical touch also increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin which are two neurotransmitters that help regulate our mood as well as help our bodies relieve stress and anxiety.
When it comes to touching, we need to ask ourselves what Jesus would do, and use Him as our guide. The Bible is full of stories like the one where Jesus healed the man with leprosy in Matthew 8:2-3: “And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. “He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately.“ Also with His healing touch, Jesus touched Peter’s mother in law and her fever left her (Matthew 8:14-15). He touched the official’s twelve year old daughter who had died and she arose (Matthew 9:25). He touched the blind and their sight was restored (Matthew 9:29 Mark 8:22). He touched the deaf and they could hear (Mark 7:32). He touched the crippled and they could walk (Luke 13:11-13).
As stated in the headlines, some people have touched inappropriately. Is it fair to paint everyone with the broad brush of their inappropriate actions? No, it is not. A physical touch is powerful. Used in an inappropriate way, it can leave lasting scars. Used in the right way, a touch has healthy and healing properties. As Christians, we should never shy away from touching like Jesus did.
A pat on the back, a kiss on the cheek, a kiss on both cheeks, a kiss on the forehead, a hand on someone’s shoulder, a clasp of two hands, a lingering handshake, a consoling long hug, a high five, and many more things have been enduring signs of human caring, concern, greeting and friendship throughout the centuries. Our modern hyper sensitivity over touching threatens to rob us of our opportunities to imitate the healing touch of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Simply stated hugs and hand holding and other forms of touch can increase our happiness and our longevity. I for one, plan to keep on hugging! I hope you do too.
Heavenly Father I know you always have me in the palm of your hand and your gentle touch is what always sustains me during the trial of life. Amen
As always, I love to read your comments below as well as hear from you personally by clicking here.
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Brian,
Greetings from Florida. Hugs have always become a tradition in our family. Hugs given here is our family motto. You are so right on with this 4th Day Letter.
John
Thanks for your post and for being a hugger!
Brian
Right on, brother. Wonderful counsel from God’s Word concerning the appropriateness of physical touch. Another passage that seems timely is this one from Mark 10:13-16.
“And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them.” (ESV)
Lee
Thanks for sharing those verses from Mark’s Gospel. I hope we can all keep doing as our savior did. We need to touch and bring comfort to those in need.
Brian
Thank you for this message I’m a host greeter and life group leader and I greet every one Yong and old with a hug or two handed shake.and I know it’s a big welcome to all I greet. You can’t but to feel the love from them all. Thanks again Harry
Harry
Keep up the good work.
Brian
Good stuff Brian. I plan to be more outgoing with my touching. Thanks
Frank
Thank you for your post. I am glad this message touched you!
God bless
Brian
I have always been a hugger…and have always felt that human touch is so needed. Being an active member of my Parish, being a member of AA & working as a therapist has always put me in contact with lots of people, many of them hurting. Human touch always helps,
Susie
Thank you for posting and for sharing your personal experience concerning the importance of touch!
God bless
Brian