When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Matthew 8:1-3
Comment
If we’re really honest, the first thing we think about when we look at the Love Language – Physical Touch is SEX!! But actually this love language is so much more than just that. Holding hands, kissing, embracing, back rubs, or an arm around the shoulder are all ways of expressing love by physical touch.
Jesus demonstrated love through touch many times and these verses are possibly the most pertinent. We know he could have healed the man from a distance or in any other way he liked but he willingly chose to touch the ‘unclean’ man. This touch expressed a powerful love and concern for the man.
Have you also noticed how when crisis’ occur, people often turn to each other for a hug. I think it’s one of the biggest things we’ve missed this year – permission to hug each other – thankfully we can still hug our spouse! Touch can go really deep with expressing love to each other.
How are you doing with expressing love through touch to each other? Perhaps you’re not a ‘touchy feely’ person – the great thing is that languages can be learnt! Have a chat to each other about what touch you particularly enjoy.
Prayer (as a couple)
Father God, We ask you to help us pursue these different love languages, even the ones that don’t come naturally to us so that we can express love deeply to each other. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Father God, We pray for ____ and ____. Help them find new ways to express love to each other and be surprised at how creative they can be! Amen.
