Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum!” (Mark 5:41)

He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

Touch is vital to our survival. Psychologists tell us it is our first mode of communication. Before we understand our mother’s words, we understand her touch. Touch is a bonding agent; when it is absent, relationships deteriorate.

While Jesus was on the earth, He touched many people. Many of the miracles recorded in Scripture specifically tell of how He touched those He healed. In one recorded instance, a woman reached out and touched Him and healing power flowed from Him. In most cases, Jesus initiated the touch, even to the untouchables and outcasts like those with leprosy.

The Bible tells us that as Jesus was, so are we in this world. We are to do the things He did when He was here; His Spirit is alive in us, empowering us to be like Him and do the kinds of things He did.

He touched people. So should we.

His touch was full of love and compassion. His touch was full of power. So is ours if we exercise it in faith, love and humility.

Who needs your touch today?

Many people around us are starved for human touch. So many people are in pain, both physical and emotional. How much could we impact the people around us if we would simply reach out and touch them with kindness? It doesn’t have to be weird, and it mustn’t be inappropriate:  perhaps just a simple handshake, but one with sincerity. Intentionally pass on a blessing today through your hands, your words, or your deeds.

Reach out and touch someone.

Pray this plain and simple prayer with us today:

Father,

I want to be like Jesus. He touched people and they were healed. Jesus told us that we would do the things He did while He was on the planet; in fact, we would do even greater things. I’m asking and receiving the ability to touch the people around me today with loving hands, merciful hands, healing hands, gracious hands, forgiving hands, and comforting hands.

I lift my hands to You today and receive Your power to do this, dear Jesus touch me first, so that my touch can be effective, heal me first so I can then heal others,  create in me a clean heart, renew in me a right spirit dear God and lead me to whomever needs my touch, whether it be physical touch, a word touch, or a speaking touch, it is in Jesus name, I ask and pray additionally, I ask for divine opportunities and restorative power.

In Jesus’ Name I ask and pray,

Amen