The power of hugging
Imagine this situation: You have been out of the house all day. Maybe you have worked late at the office, spent a busy day at school, or just returned from a long trip. Your hands are full of things, whether it is shopping bags, school books, or luggage. At the door you are greeted by a loved one - be it your spouse, a parent, or your best friend. That person is beaming with joy and welcomes you with open arms, ready to hug you. Have you experienced this? As wonderful as it is to be reunited with your loved one, a dilemma arises: In order to return the hug, you must put down everything you are carrying in your hands.
The way we resolve this situation reveals a lot about our relationship. Some find the hug an annoying obstacle and simply walk past. Others try to negotiate a better time by awkwardly putting their things down first. Then there are those who try to hold onto their luggage and hug at the same time. In this case, the other person hugs the luggage rather than you. Finally, there are those who immediately drop their bags at their lover's feet to enjoy the hug that is offered.
This image can also be applied to our relationship with our heavenly Father. He welcomes us in Jesus Christ with open arms, calls us his beloved and offers us his embrace. Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son, who carried a backpack of worries and approached his father full of remorse: "So he returned to his father's house. He was still a long way off when his father saw him coming. Full of love and compassion, he ran to meet his son, embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15,20 New Life Bible).
Often in our lives we carry full bags that we cannot let go of. The good news is that when we recognize God as the one who truly loves us, we begin to loosen our grip and let go of what keeps us from his loving embrace. The apostle James tells us that we cannot receive what God has in store for us without laying aside our burdens: "Therefore, put away all sin and all evil. Instead, accept with all your heart the word of God that he has planted in you, for it has the power to save you" (James 1:14). 1,21 Hope for all).
If you are homesick and burdened by all kinds of baggage of life, hear God's word today: You are His beloved, His Beloved, made to be loved in His embrace. He stands before you in Jesus Christ with His arms wide open. Step into that embrace and feel the love He wants to give you.
by Heber Ticas
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