A Loving Touch

In these times of lockdown and social distancing, there is an unfortunate side effect that is particularly hard on single people. I’m talking about a loving touch or a friendly hug. A handshake or a high-five. A person to person contact that somehow communicates our feelings beyond what can be achieved through words. Sadly, even when we’re out and about, face masks obscure that part of the face that we rely on so much for feedback and spoken words. So the sense of isolation for people who live on their own must be very real and debilitating. 

We have a kind and loving God who delights in touching people. Jesus went through the communities in Palestine always willing and ready to touch those people desperate for healing. For example, in Matthew 8 we read of the occasion when Jesus touched a man with leprosy. Jesus was out and about and, “Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Jesus committed a hugely significant act – in those days you kept well away from people with leprosy because it was such a contagious and horrible disease. He could have just said the word, and the man would have been healed. But He touched him, demonstrating love as well as healing. What a loving Saviour!

In these Covid times we may be restricted from touching those around us, but God isn’t. If we know a lonely person today, let’s pick up the phone or pay a socially distanced visit, doing whatever it takes to connect. And if you are a lonely person reading this today please contact us and we’ll introduce you to the wonderful Saviour who delights in touching people. You’ll never regret it.