DAY 15 – The Need for Touch During a Pandemic | Firm Foundation Devotional
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
People need to be touched, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Touching is fundamental in our culture. It is something we learned from childhood. We touch people that we love and are concerned about. During the COVID pandemic, physical touching and personal presence is limited. This also limits the emotional support we can provide and receive.
For people who do not have children or family members present, who rely on alternative families such as the church, COVID presents another set of challenges beyond infection. Comforting and building up (edifying) one another involves touching. The COVID pandemic has forced change and new behaviors upon us all. We've had to practice other ways to "touch," by means such as phone calls and virtual meetings.
When you feel lonely and isolated, remember that the presence of Christ is real. Spiritual presence is no less real than physical presence. The Apostle Paul could not be present in all the churches in served, so he sent hand written letters, which was the best technology in his time.
In our time, a phone call or FaceTime type encounter––not just a text message––can be a form of "touching." Hearing someone's voice or seeing their face is a form of touch. One way or another, the need for touch is part of our lives.
Reflection Question: How will you touch others during is time of COVID isolation?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
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