Some people are definitely “touchy/feely” people. We all know them. They come running up to give you a hug every time you see them. They’re always patting your back and they’re usually very endearing people. I know that God just made some folks that way. Sadly to say, I’m not exactly one of those people. It’s not that I don’t love people, I just tend to show it in other ways. I’m more of an encourager or an “acts of service” person. Doesn’t matter. It’s still affection. My little cat, though, he’s a total lover! He wants to be in my lap, licking me and purring a lovely tune at all times. If I get up, he gets up. He is literally glued to my hip. His affection for me leaves no doubt that I’m his person. He can’t say a word but I know exactly how he feels about me. It’s pure love. 

Oh how nice it would be for people to be that innocent and sincere. Unfortunately, we live in a broken, sin stained world and people mostly keep to themselves. There’s few people you can trust, much less truly count on. Life can be hard. People can have hardened hearts. This is most certainly not the way God intended it to be. One day, if you’re His child, we will live in a place where “bad” doesn’t exist. Until then, we are here and we have to do whatever we can do to make our location the best it can be. When Jesus walked the earth in human form, He interacted with people. He listened. He cared. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We are literally speaking for Christ! This is a heavy concept. If we’re His representatives to a lost and dying world, shouldn’t we, of all people, show concern for others? I’m not saying you have to hug every stranger you come in contact with. That would be a little awkward and possibly dangerous. But how hard would it be to hold a door for someone? How about a smile?  Could you maybe pay for a stranger’s coffee at the coffee shop? Doing something nice for someone is being Jesus with skin on. It shows affection that people long for. 

We all want to feel like we matter. The truth is – we do! God made each and every person by hand because they matter to Him. We’re all part of one race. The human race. God loves people and so should we. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬) This is probably the most quoted scripture in the Bible but it has two very important implications. Number one is, God loves the whole world. If you live in this world, God loves you! You matter to Him. Number two is, He wants you to be with Him for eternity. He took our sin upon Himself and was crucified on a cross so that we would be able to stand spotless (in Him) before Almighty God. That, my friends, is true affection. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬) Jesus took the death penalty so that we could live forever. His love for His creation should never be questioned. 

So, do we love Him the most? Do we feel most at peace when in His presence? Is He really The One we look to for our personal joy? These are questions we need to ask ourselves. Is our affection for Him obvious to a lost and dying world? Are we being the ambassadors He’s called us to be? Do we show love to others just because they’re His creation? If not, why not? “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬) When we truly love Jesus, affection for others will just naturally flow from us. We were hardwired for love. Be a light in a dark world. Represent Jesus to others with the true affection He has given us.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.