Right before cows are killed a giant machine hugs them. The machine squeezes both sides of the cow in order to suppress their nervous system so they feel less pain. True story. This is why hugs are so important – they aid in relaxation. When you’ve had an extra long day at work and say you need a hug what you’re looking for is relaxation.
Living with 14 kids gives ample opportunity for hugs. One of my favorite things to do is trap José in a full on, extra relaxing, mega hug attack. He is the best one to hug attack because he instantly gets very pouty and mad that you are giving him affection. This pretend anger quickly turns into laughter and the biggest, dimpliest grin you’ve ever seen. Jose wants you to think that he is a macho young man but I have discovered that he is a softy – and I love it.
Jose pretending to not like my hugs.
Carl Lentz, the pastor of Hillsong NYC has a similar story of the power of a hug. Devin started going to Hillsong because of all the cute girls in the church. “Carl, I’m only coming to church because there are hot girls there.” “That’s fine come however you want,” Carl responded. “Just so you know Carl, I don’t believe in Jesus. I’m cool with God but I’m not cool with Jesus.” “That’s fine. Jesus is God; don’t worry about it, just come.”
About a year later Carl picked Devin up for church and Devin said; “Carl, Jesus showed up in my quiet time. I can’t really explain it but all I know is He is the son of God and I love him and I’ve given everything to him, my sins are forgiven and I’m going to spend the rest of my life telling people about Jesus.”
Jose’s true feelings about my hugs.
Two weeks before Devin’s early arrival in heaven he told Carl what really struck him about Hillsong NYC. “It was the hugs. I’ve been in New York so long I can’t remember the last time I got a hug. And I remember the first time I came everybody was hugging me – I don’t like people touching me – but after awhile people hugged me and I would start looking forward to the hugs. I would try to look like I didn’t want them but I would start to secretly hope I would get more and more; they were awesome.”
Devin’s story immediately reminded me of Jose and the front he puts on for all the hugs he gets. “I mean people I didn’t know were genuinely happy to see me,” said Devin. “Those hugs week in and week out would remind me that there are people on this planet who will just love you for who you are and that eventually had me on my knees.”
Devin never mentioned one sermon. He never mentioned one Hillsong album. The thing that changed his life was a church full of people who knew the grace that is on their life. By accepting the grace that Jesus gave them they were able to love Devin with the same grace atmosphere. Devin had been addicted to drugs, in and out of jail, and he was welcomed at this church. We don’t serve a God who points fingers; we serve a God with an open palm.
There are people like Devin scattered all over the world and you don’t have to preach to them, or be a Jesus superstar, you only have to tell them the story of grace. We should have to work for our ticket to heaven but we don’t because Jesus paid it all. Sharing the story of grace might be an encouraging word, an invite, or the difference between someone seeing Jesus in Heaven or not. It could also be as simple as a hug.
I want to love everyone without judgment and condemnation. I want to love like Jesus; but I don’t just want a loving heart – I want a sharing heart.
I want to share with everyone I meet the scandalous grace that I have received from Jesus. I want to love with open palms and arms always ready to hug it out.
-C
A Scandal Called Grace by Carl Lentz is a free podcast available on itunes.
