A Holy Hug

Recently, a great controversy took place regarding the hugging, or even touching of children, by school teachers. The argument raged. Some saw it as a healthy and wholesome occasional practice. Others saw it as unacceptable sexual aggression by teachers. Personally, I think it a quite wholesome practice, when practiced by wholesome people.

The other-than-wholesome will find some form of expression for their licentiousness in any case, and it seems too healthy a practice to be totally banned because of a few perverts.

It's something akin to banning all men from walking in public parks on the grounds that one of them might be a rapist!

I recently saw three delightful paragraphs on hugging I'd like to share with you:

"Hugging is healthy; It helps the body's immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

Hugging is all natural: it is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100% wholesome.

Hugging is practically perfect: There are no moveable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation-proof, non-fattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and, of course, fully returnable."

I like that!

Now, it's true that there are perverts, and others with twisted affections. They are perhaps driven by a base nature, which has never known the love of God, and are therefore unable to know what is right and wrong. They fail to understand what is appropriate, pure, and wholesome.

Why?

I am convinced that it is because they have never had their personalities `tuned to normal' by the indwelling presence of God. Listen to what Paul says, in Phil. 1:8: "For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ." When Jesus Christ is in control of your life, an affectionate hug is just that: an affectionate hug. And it is holy! The problems arise when those who claim to be living a Christian life feign affection, when in fact their base nature is in control. This has often brought great shame to the Name of Christ Jesus.

But, in spite of that, Paul says, in Rom. 12:10: "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another;"

You can hug your motorcycle if you want to, but there's nothing quite like an affectionate squeeze, especially when you're feeling a bit discouraged or low. That's when the Christian should let the "affection of Jesus Christ" be exhibited.

True affection is not selfish, but supportive. It can be the most encouraging thing that might happen in someone's day.

Why not give someone a holy hug today?