Page 155 - The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts

Love Language #5

PHYSICAL TOUCH

We have long known that physical touch is a way of
communicating emotional love. Numerous research
projects in the area of child development have made that
conclusion: Babies who are held, hugged, and kissed
develop a healthier emotional life than those who are left for
long periods of time without physical contact. The
importance of touching children is not a modern idea. In the
first century, the Hebrews living in Palestine, recognizing
Jesus as a great teacher, brought their children to Him “to
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have him touch them.” You may remember that Jesus’
disciples rebuked those parents, thinking that Jesus was
too busy for such frivolous activity. But the Scriptures say
that Jesus was indignant with the disciples and said, “‘Let
the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for
the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the
truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a
little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his
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arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Wise
parents, in any culture, are touching parents.