08/23/2026
A TOUCH OF LOVE
Have you ever been touched by someone displaying love and/or compassion? It felt good, didn't it?
Why is touch important? Here is what the scientific community agrees upon.
In a newborn, touch regulates temperature, heart rate, breathing, reduces crying, enhances growth, and provides emotional security. Breast feeding also provides the hearing of mother's heartbeat and the warmth of cuddling.
In orphanages, where minimal touch is given, children suffer stunted growth and developmental delays. There is the emotional component as well, as a child interprets that there is something wrong with me that nobody cares.
The brain interprets gentle touch as pleasant; it releases OXYTOCIN to stimulate the brain's reward center, reduces anxiety, and increases the body's own pain tolerance. It promotes trust and enhances social bonding. Is it an essential component for encompassing well-being? I surely would say so!
Undoubtedly, Jesus knew this and used gentle touch as He ministered here on earth. Let's look at that:
Luke 5:13 - Jesus touches a l***r, one with the vilest disease of the time.
Luke 6:10 - Jesus provides healing as He touches a withered hand.
Luke 7:14 - Jesus touches the coffin of a dead man and he arose.
Luke 7:38 - Jesus comforted by the touch of Mary Magdelene and her anointing of Him with oil.
Luke 8:46 - Jesus touched by woman with an issue of blood & she was healed. Jesus felt her touch and "perceived power going out from Me"
Luke 8:54 -Synagogue ruler's daughter dead. Jesus took her hand and she arose.
Luke 10:34 - Good Samaritan who bandaged and cared for wounded man.
Luke 13:13 - Jesus touched a woman who was "bent over."
Luke 18:16 - Jesus touches & blesses little children.
Luke 19:5 - Jesus touches & dines with Zaccheus, the tax collector.
Do you notice that all these accounts are written in the Biblical book of Luke? He was, after all, a physician who witnessed every healing.
There is so much evidence, Biblical and scientific, proclaiming the virtues of touch. Back when I could afford it, I would get a massage, and that touch was so beneficial to an aching neck and back. Even now, when a worker here touches me, helps me shower or is just extra friendly, that touch means the world to me.
Let's reach out and touch one another this week. You will be glad you did!
Lovingly, unfortunately without physical touch,
Nancy