The Gift of Touch: A Love that Keeps on Growing

We seldom think about the importance of human touch. If we get enough of it, we tend to take it for granted. If we've never had enough, we don't know what we're lacking. Jesus included touch as a part of His ministry to folks.

"Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man (a leper)" (Matthew 8:3). "He touched her hand," (Peter's mother-in-law in Matthew 8:15). "He touched their eyes (two blind men) and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you'" (Matthew 9:29). "Jesus came and touched them (Peter, James and John)." (Matthew 17:7) "Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man (an untouchable leper)" (Mark 1:41). "People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them" (Mark 10:13). "He touched the man's ear and healed him (The man whose ear Peter cut off)." (Luke 22:51).  

It's wondrous what a hug can do;
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say, "I love you so,"
or "Oh, I hate to see you go."
A hug is, "Welcome back again!"
And "Great to see you!"
Or "Where have you been?"
A hug can soothe a small child's pain
And bring a rainbow after rain.
The hug! There's just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it.
A hug delights and warms and charms.
It must be why God gave us arms.
Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers,
And chances are some favorite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.
Kittens crave them. Puppies love them.
Heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier,
And make the dullest day seem merrier.
No need to fret about the store of 'em,
The more you give, the more there are of 'em.
So stretch those arms without delay,
And give someone a hug today.  

---Author Unknown

--excerpt from an email article by Beverly Caruso

God Is Still In Control!

Miss Lladale Carey

Web Content Producer

www.umcgiving.org

lcarey@umcom.org