Re: Depiction of love.....?
Submitted by Ben on August 07 1999 at 10:01:38
In reply to Depiction of love.....? Submitted by Some guy in the NW (aka Jesus lover) on August 04 1999 at 13:32:05
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SGitNW - Like many here, I am opposed to withholding affection from children as long as one's intentions are clear. Generally, hugging is the best and closest form of affection, while kissing can sometimes (but not always) cross the line to provocativeness. Jesus held little children and encouraged the "touching" (obviously meaning non-sexual) of children. My church actually encourages those working with children to touch and hug them. (I'll note here that my church also has one of the most stringent screening programs for adults who work with children of any churches in the country.) The two things that I would use as my guideline in your situation is this: a) Are you confident that your own intentions are okay (and it seems as though they are). No matter what others say, think and do, God knows your real heart. If you have a clear conscience before God, then you can't go wrong. b) Are you crossing cultural barriers that are going cause your intentions to be misread by the people around you. Even though I don't agree with Western views of modesty and restraint of affection, we do ourselves and the children around us no good if our actions are misread. You are not alone. 
Ben |