Ten Days of Blessings — Blessing 5: Smiles and Hugs

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10 Days of Blessings

Smiles and hugs are two of a mama’s sweetest gifts.

 

I love how the apostle Paul expresses his affection for his brothers and sisters in Christ. His letters to Christians encourage us to feel that same kind of affection for one another.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ,
if there is any consolation of love,
if there is any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete
by being of the same mind,
maintaining the same love,
united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2

In Scripture, a mother’s affection for her children is considered natural. Mother love is such a beautiful example that Paul uses it to describe how he feels about the Christians in Thessalonica. He describes mother love as active, gentle, and tender.

“Maternal Caress” by Mary Cassatt, 1891. Courtesy Library of Congress.

But we proved to be gentle among you,
as a nursing mother
tenderly cares for her own children.
Having so fond an affection for you,
we were well-pleased to impart to you
not only the gospel of God
but also our own lives,
because you had become very dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

When God Himself wanted the Israelites to know how he felt about them and how committed He was to them, He compared His love to a mother’s love.

Can a woman forget her nursing child
And have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
but I will not forget you.
Behold, I have inscribed you
on the palms of My hands . . . .
Isaiah 49:15-16

God has tender affection for you and your children. Every tender smile and hug you give teaches your children that they are lovable. Those smiles and hugs are also showing them the Father’s love.

Therefore be imitators of God,
as beloved children; 
and walk in love,
just as Christ also loved you
and gave Himself up for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God 
as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2

 

 

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