(greet, kiss, shake hands, give greeting)
Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14
The concept of “Embrace” is fun, but not for everyone. For some, the idea of “Embracing” can be complicated.
Not everyone likes to be hugged, and not all of us are “touchy feely”. I get that. In fact growing up, my family did not hug at all. When I was dating my wife and she would give me a hug and I would just stiffen up with my arms straight at my side. I didn’t know what to do. When she would grab my hand I would reflexively flinch and pull away before I realized what I was doing.
Touch is such a powerful way to communicate love and tenderness. Paul, uses this very physically expressive word for greeting, and it is not surprising at all. He’s instructing us to “enfold one another in the arms” – HUG!
There is now physical evidence that a 10-20 second hug actually increases some of the brain’s neurotransmitters. That alone has huge effects on blood pressure, cellular health and general well-being. It turns out that hugs are healthy for you!
I’d like to say to all those who just can’t stand hugging to “Get over it!”. However, I truly understand it’s not that easy.
Oh, by the way, I am a hugger now. With guys I just give them a bear hug. With the gals I give a safe side hug, but not before asking permission! If I sense they may be uncomfortable, I just revert to a handshake because I want to respect their boundaries.
A handshake is nice, if done well. But, it just doesn’t communicate love like a hug can. Who wants to just shake Grandma’s hand?
Truthfully, you should consider yourself fortunate on this one! Most translations say to greet with a HOLY KISS! I have not seen much of that in our culture. Although I’ve been to Chile and Italy – it’s just normal there.
Prayer: God sometimes I know a welcoming hug is just what folks need. Help me be safe and brave enough to bring a friendly touch when I see someone who is like family to me.