For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the  hearts of the saints have been  refreshed through you, brother. — Philemon 1:7

I’ll start out by saying that I am a huggy person. My children are very aware that hugs are mandatory when you walk in the door and when you leave (a few during the visit doesn’t hurt either). I love that I work at a Christian entity and get to give and receive hugs from co-workers. A hug to me is encouragement, acceptance, love and honoring.

My parents church, that I had the privilege of attending for 21 months, was that kind of church. Sunday mornings I was fueled up for the week. When we were visited at home hugs were plentiful.

The idea of this to me is that family hugs one another. Along with those hugs comes genuine concern for another, taking time to listen, sending cards or emails to say, “Hey, I care and was thinking of you today and said a prayer.” Connecting. Making a difference in someone’s life.

To me a hug is not just a hug. It is so much more. Is your church just a gathering of people or are you family? Is your love for the saints refreshing them? Do they know the love of the Lord and being refreshed by you?

This verse just brought this to mind today and I’m sure has nothing to do with hugs specifically, but are the saints in your life experiencing the outpouring of God’s love from you?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

P.S. Handshakes work too.