As from today, Monday, folk in the UK will no longer be discouraged from hugging. As various lockdown restrictions are being lifted, there are opportunities for more personal contact such as holding hands, giving a hug, things denied us for many months but which we have long taken for granted.

It is that personal touch, the human interaction that is valued and so important. God made us as responsive and reactive beings but often we become insensitive to Him and others. Thank God He is always sensitive to us:
‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved’ John chapter 3 verses 16-17.

The four Gospels in the Bible are full of how Jesus was sensitive to the needs of all around Him:

• Matthew chapter 14 verse 14:  ‘And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.’
• Mark chapter 1 verse 41: ‘Then Jesus, moved with compassion (for a leper), stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed”.
• Luke chapter 18 verse 16: ‘But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God’.
• John chapter 11 verse 35: ‘Jesus wept’.

He still cares, He still loves. Can you say with the preacher Paul, ‘the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ Galatians chapter 2 verse 20?