We know that Jesus liked to touch people. There are Bible stories where he healed people from afar—so it was something that he could do. But time and time again, we read about how Jesus physically touched people. He even touched those that no one else would.
So think about this: Who could benefit from hearing you laugh out loud? Who would probably like a pat on the back or a warm hug? Who needs to hear someone say “I’m thinking about you?” Take your lead from Jesus, our model of healing and comfort. Give someone a real, genuine hug.
This excerpt is from the September 17, 2014, post by Amy Jandrisevits in the Women of the ELCA blog. Today is the third Sunday after Pentecost. The verses are 1 Kings 17:17-24; 1 Kings 17:8-16 [17-24] (semicontinuous); Psalm 30; Psalm 146 (semicontinuous); Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17. On this day we remember Boniface, bishop of Mainz, missionary to Germany, martyr, who died 754.