I believe each of us should decide for ourselves, but I don’t intend to live in fear and isolation forever. If you say I can never spend intimate time in fellowship with my brothers and sisters in the faith, I’ll have to say “No thank you” to that.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
If you tell me I can’t hug and kiss on my loved ones – I will say “No thank you”.
Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. (1 Thessalonians 5:26)
If you tell me not to shake a brother’s hand, or that I should be afraid to touch others – my response will be, “No thank you”.
James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. (Galatians 2:9)
We are social and relational brings. We were built by our Creator to have interaction with others. God’s Word does not direct us to avoid all contact with one another. We are to reach out and show the love of Christ to the sick, the elderly, the orphan and widow.
Naturally, if someone expresses concern, I’m not going to try and force them to accept my embrace. But what has our Great and Perfect Example shown us? Jesus showed His love and compassion to even leper’s, so don’t tell me to fear a hug from my brother or sister in Christ. I’m afraid I’ll have to say, “No thank you” as I reach out to them in love.
#LoveMatters