Children Need Loving Affection

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “And He took the children in His arms, . . .” (Mark 10:16a)
   Passage: Luke 15:11-24

        Whatever God designs is good, but whatever God designs for good, Satan wants to turn it upside down and use it for evil. One aspect of God’s design that Satan seeks to manipulate is the power of physical touch and expression of affection. God designed us to to respond to affection and to give affection. Satan wants to corrupt it or eliminate it. When a child experiences loving affection shown by gentle hugs, holding hands and appropriate kisses from parents and/or caring adults, a child feels a greater sense of security and self-esteem.
When a child does not receive meaningful touch and affection, by either it being withheld or the touch being harsh and hurtful, the child will be more open to receiving affection from someone who is all to willing to give touch them in wrong and harmful ways. Hugs convey the message that the child is special and loved. In Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, we see the Father showing affection to the prodigal upon his return. The prodigal was thinking he had lost any love of his father and was prepared to work as a hired hand. The Father ran to him, hugged him and kissed him without the son doing anything to make up for his sin, except turn and come back home. Loving affection is powerful. Children need it. We adults do too.

‍Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)