To Embrace or Not Embrace
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
And a time to refrain from embracing (Ecclesiastes 3:5, ESV)
For Insight
What’s your thoughts about PDA’s? Public Displays of Affection? Some people are very uncomfortable with them. They are not even into hand-holding in public. Others don’t think it’s a big deal at all. Seeing nothing wrong with holding hands, hugging, wrapping arms around one another, snuggling, even kissing in public. In some cultures PDA’s are not up to individuals, and how comfortable or uncomfortable someone is, its against the law.
Solomon’s instruction about refraining from embracing is not isolated to PDA’s between couples but goes deeper than that. Knowing when to remain at a distance is just as important as knowing when to embrace. For example we would naturally embrace a close friend or good neighbor, but keep our distance from someone who participates in criminal activities which could also implicate us.
Jonathan and David were more than just good friends they had a bond stronger than blood relatives. In fact, they were more like blood brothers sharing a like faith in Jehovah God. David’s faith in God was one of the things Jonathan admired most about him. In the beginning Saul was fine with their bond, but when Saul turned on David, he wanted Jonathan to do so as well however Jonathan had pledged to befriend David no matter what, even if it meant betraying his own father.
Just like David and Jonathan, God will guide us when it comes to embracing and refraining from embracing. His Holy Spirit guides us, and we will never go wrong when we listen to and follow him.
Check Yourself
God, at times we need to embrace and other times we need to refrain from embracing. Each one takes discernment and paying attention to character. Amen
Praying Ecclesiastes 3:5
God grant us wisdom when it comes to embracing and refraining from embracing. We don’t always know the right thing to do or have the right timing but by your wisdom we can know and do accordingly. Amen
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 