A day or so after the tragedy at my first Alma mater, Virginia Tech, on April 16, 2007, there were two students who stationed themselves by a bench on the drillfield, which is a huge grassy area at the center of campus. They held a sign which said, “Free Hugs.” I saw a picture of them, and though many miles away from my beloved university, I was touched in my heart by their loving offer at a time when so many of us were hurting. And hug many people they did.
In the midst of this worldwide tragedy of the coronavirus, which is bringing death or pain or an assortment of hardships to countless people worldwide, an additional tragedy is people are being more separated from each other. Gatherings of people have been halted, truly a safety necessity. Only such discipline will keep the coronavirus contained.
In public, everyone is supposed to be carrying out “social distancing,” which includes people refraining from getting close to one another; everyone is supposed to stay at least six feet away. We human beings are not supposed to touch those outside of our homes, including handshakes or hugs. No one knows for sure how long this will need to continue.
This past Sunday, many churches in the United States were closed, and most will be closed for a number of Sundays to come for genuine safety purposes. Some leaders are speculating all churches may be closed on Easter. How sad to know churches are locked up. Now many churches are having online services, which is a good thing for this period, but obviously impersonal.
At this time of trial, may we Christians realize the basis of Christianity is a relationship with Jesus, not a ritual. Scripture teaches the foundation of being a follower of Jesus is faith in Jesus, the One who was the atoning sacrifice for the sins of people. Faith results in a loving relationship. A believer becomes born again, being permanently indwelled with the Holy Spirit. Thus any Christian has the opportunity to be spiritually and lovingly touched in his or her heart by God day after day! As we all are being physically separated from one another due to the coronavirus, this is a time to rely on being touched by our Savior and Lord in a spiritual manner. Jesus loves us, and He wants to touch our hearts.
And regarding our fellow human beings, we are commanded by Jesus to love them. Our culture for years has been plagued by sexual immorality which involves wrongful touching, plagued by anger, and plagued by many other sins which interfere with loving human relationships. There is a grand need now for followers of Jesus to continue to carry out the commands of Jesus, loving God and loving people. Thus we need to keep forgiving and caring. Personally, my circumstances are financially rough now, however, in spite of “social distancing” and little cash, I see opportunities to be a light for Jesus now as many people are hurting and confused.
When churches unlock their doors in the future, church norms may be changed in most for safety reasons. Sadly enough, I think some churches will get rid of the time when we greet our brothers and sisters during worship. Yet when this crisis finally ends, I see a day when opportunities will arise to once again give holy hugs to people in the love of Christ.
Hunter Irvine
