I admit it. I don’t like affection. My natural instinct is to run away when I see someone moving in with open arms. I  think  the need to show affection is a sign of weakness. I am a rock. I am an island! I am wrong.

Recently, I’ve been convinced there is a christian virtue of embracing. (My dad just rolled with joy in his grave…he was a hugger.  Oh yeah, and my husband just gave a sigh of relief.) The Greek word, aspazomai, is translated greet, salute or embrace. It carries more value than a cursory “Hi!” It carries the weight of affection. It says, “I love you and care about your welfare enough to touch you.” Ugh, shudder.

Because I’m such a Bible geek, it takes a verse to convince me something is necessary. So, for all you other Bible geeks out there, feast on these.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1Pe 5:14
Greet all your leaders and all God’s people. Hbr 13:24
Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Tts 3:15
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 1Th 5:26
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. Phl 4:21
Greet one another with a holy kiss.  2 Cr 13:12
All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1Cr 16:20
Greet one another with a holy kiss. Rom 16:16

God has not only given me His love, He has given me folks who can give me the experience of love. That encourages me! That encouragement is such a motivating factor in my faith, I want to share it with others. It may be the most powerful weapon against unbelief, despair and quitting. Ready? Aim. Embrace!