BEWARE! You are getting ready to go to church and someone has read this devotional BEFORE going out the door. This is a day officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office, although it is not a public holiday. It was created by Methodist pastor Kevin Zaborney of Clio, Michigan in 1986. It is included in Chase’s Calendar of Events and is on the National Day Calendar registry.
Today is National Hugging Day!
Zaborney “chose January 21st as it fell between the Christmas, New Year’s Holidays, Valentine’s Day, and birthdays when he found people are generally in low spirits… Zaborney considered that “American society is embarrassed to show feelings in public”1 and hoped a national day of celebrating the life-giving hug would do the trick to encourage someone.
Today of all days! Some of you didn’t need a special day for this, did you? You come to church just looking for someone to hug. Others immediately cringe, wanting to run out the building when they see someone coming with wide open arms. Zaborney gives one piece of wise advice: ask first! Did you all read that? If you don’t know if the person is a hugger, ask before going all out with the warm embrace.
For some reason, some have thought through the years that I’m not much of a hugger. I must’ve said something at one time that gave that impression. Truthfully, I don’t mind receiving hugs. I don’t often initiate it simply because it’s not a normal “guy” thing to do. However, there are times where a hug is the normal thing to do. If I haven’t seen someone in a while or if the moment calls for it, I have no problem whatsoever with a hug.
Hugs are Biblical.
Mark 9:36-37 says, “And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, (37) Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.” In the next chapter, we read, “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. (14) But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (15) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. (16) And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)
Pay special attention to the words in bold print. Jesus didn’t just snatch some kids out of the crowd. With great love and tenderness, He brought these children into His arms. And what do you suppose the original words mean? Jesus embraced them! He hugged them.
The Apostle Paul followed suit in Acts 20:1. “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.” I will grant you that we don’t see embracing mentioned a lot. However, we do see it enough to know that it is an acceptable gesture of love and affection.
Obviously, this gesture, as with any gesture, must be carefully thought through and executed appropriately. There are times, places, and people where hugging would be wrong. However, our stupid culture – yes, it’s stupid – automatically thinks if you see two men or two women hugging, they must be gay. Hugs are seen as sexual overtures. This keeps a lot of people from hugging. How sad and absolutely ridiculous!!! We cannot allow the world to steal our joy and our expressions of Godly, Biblical love for the brethren.
So, brace yourself! The church is about to gather, and all the huggers have been itching to start embracing their brothers and sisters. I encourage you to welcome the sweet gesture of love, knowing that an appropriate hug is an expression of a loving heart that is so glad to see you.
But it’s always best to ask first rather than just dive in if the hug might not be welcomed.
1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hugging_Day
