A Healing Touch

by Sharon Criswell, Director of Connections at Cove Church

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." – John 13:35

Why are adults so weird about giving hugs to one another?  There seems to be an underlying hesitation when we attempt the casual, physical connection with someone to whom we’re not related by blood or marriage – a fear of it being misconstrued as something inappropriate.  It's regrettable. Everyone agrees that children need to be touched in order to grow and develop.  (Although, ironically, I’m the one who turns to goo when my five-year-old lays her head in my lap and asks me to play with her hair.)  But what about other adults?

Random people…strangers, in fact…reached out to touch Jesus.  And, He touched them back…with His power. One of the most moving stories in Scripture is of a woman who had suffered for twelve years from a chronic bleeding. Doctors were clueless. She’d spent all her money, but still no cure. She was considered to be an outcast of society and labeled “unclean.” But she knew of Jesus’ power.  According to the Gospel of Matthew, the woman realized, “if I only touch His cloak, I will be healed.” Silently, persistently, and in faith…she made her way through the crowd…came up behind the Master Healer and touched His clothing.  And, she was restored.

Many of us also suffer from a chronic illness that only Christ can cure – one that spreads as a disease and attacks the most essential functions of our bodies and spirits.  It allows us to be surrounded by people, have a full schedule, and be constantly interrupted by gadget-assisted communication devices…all the while feeling that no one is aware of our unique presence or understands who we really are.  Too many of us aren’t able to genuinely connect with others.

Thankfully, the healing power of Jesus is just as real today as it was during his earthly life, and the church holds the vaccine for our epidemic of disconnectedness.  It lives itself out in Christ’s commandment for us to love one other.  We are called by Him to reach out and “touch” our neighbors, our surrounding communities, and even our enemies with the light and love of Jesus.  In times of difficulty, we should be willing and able to extend a hand on the arm or shoulder…or even a hug (gasp!)…with the words, “I'm praying for you.” 

So...won’t you join me in being a little less weird this holiday season?  Refuse to underestimate everyday contact, courtesies, and kindnesses which knit us together.  Put down the touchscreen and replace it with live interaction.  Share something warm to eat or drink.  Thaw a frozen heart with an offer of forgiveness.  Give hugs and handshakes, even to those who will misconstrue your intentions.  And, as you do so, may you FEEL the powerful Spirit of God alive within and among you this Advent season!

P.S. Which C-Group are you in?


Sharon Criswell has been a member of the Cove Church family for six years.  She currently serves as the rookie on staff in her role of Director of Connections.  She is wife to Jon Criswell, and mother of Madison Criswell and Bailey Grace Curtis.