Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

She spoke reassuringly, “I believe in the power of human touch, and I will be holding your hand during the surgery.” Just as she promised, I could feel my anesthesiologist’s hand firmly holding mine as I awakened to a chilly surgical room. Even though we had just met, her tenderness reminded me of the power of touch.

Jesus knows we need physical touch. He made us that way. Holding a newborn silences their cries. We hug those who grieve and those who rejoice. We hold hands to show tenderness or to instill confidence.

In Scripture, we see mothers bringing their children to Jesus for Him to bless them. And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them (Mk. 10:16). When Jesus resurrected Jairus’ daughter, He took the little girl’s hand and said, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mk. 5:41).

How remarkable that God still touches people. The presence of God’s Spirit within us empowers us to demonstrate His love for others. Our hug can be God’s hug. Our touch can be God’s touch, all because He first loved us!

Father, show me how to use touch in appropriate moments and in appropriate ways. Allow me the privilege of showing your tenderness to others while on this earth. Amen

Linda Lesniewski                                                              

*All verses are NKJV.