SOFT TO THE TOUCH

Thank God for looking at our hands not with the eyes of one who criticizes how rough and unsightly or dirty they are, but how soft they are to the touch of others. Bless you as you use your hands with love and grace, patience and joy, for His sake and in His name.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES              by Sally Bair

Openhanded

We’ve seen pictures of dogs cozying up to their troubled owner, placing their paw on the person’s arm as if to say, “I’m sorry you’re hurting. I want to share your pain.” God’s creatures sense—and share—the way we feel. Their reaction is often a healing balm to our sadness.

We humans also understand the healing that comes from a hug or gentle touch from someone’s hand. Sometimes all it takes is a light squeeze on the arm to make us feel better when we’re hurting either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Science proves that babies thrive best when they receive the touch of another human.

Our hands hold the power to heal and the power to destroy. We can choose how we will use them. When we choose to offer sympathy and love by the use of our hands, God’s power will flow through them. In fact, when Jesus spoke His last words to the disciples before His ascension, He said, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will … lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” (Mark: 16:17-18)

God’s promise for healing power through the use of our hands comes by faith. Countless people have shared stories of how they were healed when someone, through faith, laid hands on them and prayed. When our hands are open to the needs of others, great things take place. Jesus’ example of using His hands for healing is intended for all of us.

Jesus wanted our openhanded lifestyle to include generosity of our possessions, too. Throughout the Bible, we’re told that the poor will always be with us. When we joyfully seek out the poor to give them needed help, we become the most blessed. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” Jesus said. (Matthew 5:7)

When He said, “Follow me,” Jesus meant the command to include every aspect of our lives. He meant us to seek out the poor, the hurting, the needy, the unlovable, so He can—through us—help fulfill their needs, through faith and through His power. His hands were always open to the needy. Ours need to be, also.

Lord, thank You for hands made for healing. Give us the willingness, the joy, and the power to become as Your hands—full of mercy and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.