The Healing Power of Hugs

Hugs play a profound part in reflecting God's love. 

A simple embrace can become a source of healing, comfort, and spiritual connection for both the giver and the receiver!

Hugs can help us understand the concept of God's love in our daily lives – and there’s some science about how hugs help us emotionally, and how hugs are a physical manifestation of support and encouragement for someone who needs it!

If this episode encouraged you at all, would you share it with a friend? Maybe someone you’d like to hug today but can’t. 

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:05

Thank you so much for listening to your Encouraging 5-Minute Podcast . We're Eric and Heather and we love being able to share some time with you , and if you would like a little bit more encouragement , you're always welcome to tune in to Virginia's Home for Encouragement , wper . If you're outside the listening area , the WPER app works great . You can find more about that at WPERorg . Now today we're talking about the ways God's love moves through our daily lives . Sometimes it moves through something so simple but so powerful hugs .

Speaker 2 0:35

Yeah , we all go through challenges , loneliness , stress , anxiety , heartbreak . But what if we understood that something as small as a hug could be one of the ways God brings healing , comfort , connection into our lives ? Hugging isn't just a quick pat on the back . Although some people could count that as a hug , I say it's got to be at least four or five seconds . It's a spiritual action . Hugs matter and they're part of God's design for human connection .

Speaker 1 1:00

Oh , absolutely . But before we talk about the spiritual side of things , let's look at what science tells us about hugs , because when we hug someone , our brains release a chemical . It's called oxytocin . Now this chemical creates feelings of trust , it reduces stress , it lowers blood pressure . Right that regular hugs will boost immune systems . They help with depression , they help us feel more connected . So when we embrace someone , we're not just offering warmth , we're actually helping them feel better , not just physically but emotionally . And in a world where so many people feel isolated and alone , a hug's a beautiful gift .

Speaker 2 1:42

Isn't it amazing that God created us in such a way that something as small as a hug can actually bring healing . You know , throughout scripture we see that God created us for connection .

Speaker 1 1:51

In Genesis .

Speaker 2 1:52

Genesis 2.18, . He said it's not good for man to be alone . We were never meant to walk through life feeling isolated or burdened by struggles . We can connect in many ways through WPER , the radio station , the internet , even through little acts of kindness , but a simple embrace can sometimes speak louder than words . Think about the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 . When the lost son returned home , what did his father do ? Did he just stand at a distance and say you know , wait there . He ran to him , ran and embraced him . That hug wasn't just a greeting , it was a declaration of love , forgiveness and belonging .

Speaker 1 2:30

I love that and think about Jesus himself . Right , he constantly reached out to people . He touched and healed people . He did not shy away from physical connection . He laid hands on the sick , he embraced children , which at that time was not something people did . He showed love through his presence and hugging . I mean , if you think about it , is actually a reflection of God's love . It's a love that welcomes , it's a love that comforts and it's a love that reassures .

Speaker 2 2:59

Now , know this and you might think yourself not a hugger . That's okay , I would say yeah , it is okay , and I would say this if you're not a hugger , you can learn to be a hugger , sure , sure , and you will grow to love it . But if you are a hugger , a simple hug for someone can be a ministry when you really think about it .

Speaker 1 3:20

Absolutely . Think about people in your life who might need encouragement . Maybe there's a friend that's been struggling , or you know a family member that carries a lot of stress . Someone at church , maybe at work or in your community that you know just needs to feel seen A hug , yeah , and we're talking .

Speaker 2 3:40

A genuine , sincere hug can remind someone that , hey , you are not alone , I'm here .

Speaker 1 3:45

Yeah , and not just you , but that God sees them as well . And maybe the next time you see somebody who needs that kind of comfort , instead of just saying something , offer a hug and let that embrace be a physical reminder , not just for you but for them , of God's love .

Speaker 2 4:05

God created us for connection , and one of the simplest ways we can share his love is through a hug .

Speaker 1 4:11

Isn't that cool .

Speaker 2 4:12

Sometimes I think we underestimate the power of this . Really , it's a small thing , but it is profound .

Speaker 1 4:16

Absolutely , and we just want to say thank you for allowing us to spend a little time with you today , and if this episode encouraged you at all , would you share it with a friend ?

Speaker 2 4:26

Hey , and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an uplifting message . It's always about encouragement during our five-minute encouraging podcast and we'll just let you know again . If you need more encouragement even right now , you can go back to the start and listen again , or you can listen to Virginia's Home for Encouragement WPER .

Speaker 1 4:45

Now , if you're outside the listening area , you can always listen at WPERorg or , while you're there , you can download the WPER app and listen anywhere you go .