Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Mark 7:31-37

The exact kind of physical touch which Jesus used to heal the deaf and mute man was highly unusual, and it is very unlikely that we will ever be called upon to employ our spittle to administer the Lord’s healing touch. However, it does show us that for Jesus there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to loving and ministering to others through physical touch. For whatever reason, this precise form of touch was the one this man needed if he was going to receive the ministry Jesus had for him. But there were other times that Jesus healed only through a word of command, or even without being present to the sick person at all.

When it comes to expressing Christian love through physical touch, the other person is the priority. For many different reasons there are many people for whom physical touch from others does not communicate the love of Christ. They may simply dislike physical expressions of affection, they may have high levels of sensitivity to touch, or they may be survivors of abuse for whom an attempt to give them a hug or even a touch on the shoulder may trigger horrifying emotions. So there will be times when withholding a physical expression of Christian love will be the only proper form of loving the other person well.

The key, as always, is to be highly attentive to the other person, their body language and their own behaviour towards others, and only to offer a physical touch like a handshake, or a hug when it seems evident that it would be welcomed. Even then, keeping perfectly proper boundaries and limits is critically important. At all times, we should strive to be led by the Holy Spirit, and to be fully submitted to His guidance and direction in giving Christ’s love to others through the love language of physical touch.

LORD, I long to extend Your love to others well. Please empower me and lead me by Your Holy Spirit, especially in this sensitive matter of physical touch. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.