Hello from London,
This week I experienced one of those sweet, soul-refreshing days—an afternoon spent with my granddaughter, wandering the bustling streets of Oxford Street, immersed in the simple joys of life. We roamed past shops overflowing with shoes and dresses, sampled various lip glosses, and searched form treasures, giggling over silly finds and sharing stories over coffee and cake. It was a day filled with laughter, love, and the kind of connection that reminds us how precious moments are.
As we strolled, we stumbled upon a giant teddy bear—its soft, cuddly presence impossible to ignore. Without hesitation, I reached out and give it a hug.
There’s something about a teddy bear that calls us all to cuddle, whispering silent comfort to our hearts. It made me pause and wonder—don’t we all crave a hug sometimes? A simple, tender embrace that speaks volumes without saying a word.
In today’s hurried, often lonely world, a hug is like free therapy—no appointment needed, no prescription required. It’s a quiet reminder that we’re not alone, that we are seen, loved, and cherished. When we hug, we give and receive at the same time, sparking feelings of gratitude and connection. Science backs this up: hugs release oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin—those natural chemicals flooding our brains with feelings of safety, happiness, and trust. They’re a balm for both body and soul, lowering stress, easing anxiety, and even reducing blood pressure with just a single embrace.
From the moment we’re born, humans are wired for touch. Think about premature babies—without physical contact, they can falter in growth and development, and even risk life-threatening complications. As adults, that innate need for closeness remains. A hug after a tough day can melt tension, turn chaos into calm, and bring a sense of peace that words often fail to convey. It’s a silent language of support, speaking volumes in moments of grief, disappointment, or celebration. Whether mourning a loss or celebrating a milestone, a hug says, “I’m here,” and “You matter.”
For many of us, these acts of love carry a deeper, spiritual significance. Consider Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32. The Parable of the Prodigal Son shows God’s mercy and grace. A son returns with a repentant heart, and the father, in his goodness, welcomes him back with love and a warm embrace, reflecting God’s endless mercy for us all.
The famous Flemish painter Rembrandt “Return of the Prodigal Son”, painted in 1669 is now housed in the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia.
This masterpiece by Rembrandt captures a profound moment from Luke 15:11–32, where a wayward son, broken and repentant, kneels before his forgiving father. The father’s embrace—tender yet powerful—radiates mercy, embodying divine love. His arms, gentle yet strong, reflect a love that welcomes home even the most lost.
Kenneth Clark called this painting “possibly the greatest picture ever painted,” and it’s more than art—it’s a glimpse of God’s heart. The father’s hug is a sacred symbol of mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love—an embrace that welcomes us home regardless of how far we’ve strayed. It’s a reminder that divine love is always available, always open, and always eager to hold us close.
Now, you may say, “Well, I’m not a hugger,” and that’s okay. Sometimes, a smile, a genuine look in someone’s eyes, or a simple act of kindness can speak just as loudly. Let someone know you care—share a smile that reaches your eyes, look someone in the face and let them feel seen. Small gestures like these remind others—and ourselves—that we matter, that we are loved.
Hugs and kind gestures aren’t just warm, fuzzy feelings—they are necessary. They are vital for our emotional health, our sense of connection, and our well-being. They remind us that we are not alone in this world, that we are held in a love far greater than we can comprehend. And above all, remember this: God loves you. His love is the greatest hug of all—more powerful than any earthly touch.
In fact, the greatest hug mankind has ever received was when Jesus Christ stretched out His arms on the cross. It was a moment of divine love and sacrifice—more than a warm fuzzy feeling, it was the way to heaven. Jesus, in that moment, said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” That act of love, that outstretched arm, was the ultimate embrace—a sacrificial hug that opened the gates of eternity for all who believe. It was the greatest act of love in history, more than a hug, it was the way to everlasting life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
That divine love is a hug that never ends, a embrace that welcomes us home no matter how lost or weary we feel. It’s a love that says, “Come as you are,” and promises that you are cherished beyond measure.
So, whether you’re a natural hugger or not, remember that love is expressed in many ways—through a smile, a kind word, or a gentle act. But above all, rest in this truth: God’s love for you is the greatest hug of all. It’s the divine embrace that holds us through every storm, every joy, and every day.
And I’ll leave you with this:
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
No matter where you are or what you’re facing, His love is an open arms waiting to hold you close. God’s embrace is more than a warm, fuzzy feeling… in the end, it is the greatest hug we will ever receive—and give—is the one that leads us to eternal life with Him.
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