Is hugging a sin in Christianity? What does the Bible say about hugging?
Introduction
Hugging means many things to different people. It is a form of physical touch that can convey love, comfort, and support.
For some people, it is an act specially reserved for married people or those in intimate relationships.
The Bible did not give a specific rule about hugging.
However, there are some references to hugging in the Bible.
For example, Ecclesiastes 3:5 says there’s “A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.”
This scripture didn’t give details about who should hug and what occasion to do that. However, it proves that there are moments we should hug and not.
Let’s look at some situations where hugging might be considered necessary and consider the Bible’s position about them.
Is hugging before marriage a sin?
This question would be asked in the first place because there’s a chance that hugging can lead to sin or has led to sin in the past.
Saying two people in love cannot hug each other is like saying there shouldn’t be any form of physical touch between two lovers or intending couples. However, many things must be considered before approving or ruling out hugging before marriage.
Firstly, as a man or lady in a relationship, you must understand yourself and your partner.
You must know your strengths and weaknesses to work toward eliminating temptation.
Ask your partner how their body reacts to physical touch from their love interest.
As simple as this question may be, it will save your relationship from temptation and reduce the chances of committing sin.
Some people do not know how to control their feelings for those they love.
Therefore, something as harmless as a hug can switch on a burning desire in them that may lead to lust and then sin.
James 1:15 warns, “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
The second thing to note is the position of your hand when hugging your partner.
Are you holding on to your partner’s bosom or bum?
These are sensitive areas that can arouse sexual desires in your partner.
As such, your hug must be casual as possible.
There are situations where you might mistakenly touch a sensitive part of your partner’s body. But when you purposely grab onto those parts, you are already walking the path of lust and sin.
Tight hugs are a powerful and intimate way of expressing one’s emotions, like showing you’ve missed your partner, are about to travel for a long time, or let off steam.
However, where you are when sharing tight hugs matters.
You might be helping the devil to make you fall into sin if you share a tight or intimate hug when you are alone.
The truth is that our hormones are supercharged toward the one we love.
It’s natural and not a sin when sexually attracted to someone we love. However, we must be deliberate about creating boundaries so we do not give in to our feelings.
God’s Word says we must be watchful so we do not fall into temptation because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (1 Corinthians 10:13)
READ MORE: Biblical Meaning of Seeing a Hawk Crossing Your Path
Is hugging a sin in Christianity?
The Bible encourages Christians to love one another (John 15:12-13).
True love is not hidden but expressed through intentional acts of kindness and affection. One of the ways is hugging.
It is strange to hug any random person on the road.
People hug only those they are comfortable around and have a relationship with.
As Christians, we are commanded to love our family members, friends, and neighbors – giving a little hug to show it is not out of place.
When Laban, Jacob’s uncle, heard about Jacob, he ran to him and embraced him (Genesis 29:13).
He did that to show his excitement for seeing his sister’s son and to show that he was welcome to his home.
Also, the Bible advises us to learn how to bear each other’s burdens.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
A burden can be financial or emotional. Since an emotional burden cannot be physically lifted, one way to allow someone to feel at ease is to give them a shoulder to cry on.
A simple, warm hug is therapeutic and can call any storm in anyone’s heart.
Therefore, hugging is not a sin as long as it serves as a channel for fulfilling God’s Word. However, we must apply wisdom to save ourselves from trouble.
Hugging the opposite sex should be done with caution to avoid any case of sexual harassment.
A male Christian might be offering a hug from a pure heart. However, a lady might see it as harassment.
So, the best solution is to not hug the opposite sex, even in church. But if you must do that, ask for permission.
Ask the person if they feel comfortable accepting a hug from you.
Above all, ensure you do all things, including hugging with moderation (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 6:12)
READ MORE: Who is God speaking to in Genesis 1:26?
Is hugging your boyfriend a sin?
Ask yourself, what is the motive behind this hug?
Is it to express love and care or to fulfill the lust of the flesh?
If you are doing it from the sincerity of your heart, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if your intention is not pure, desist not to fall into sin.
As stated earlier, understand your weakness and manage them.
If hugging someone you are in a romantic relationship with will lead you into sin, avoid it.
“As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14).
Hug is not a big sacrifice to pay for your love for God.
You will get enough of it when you get married.
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David Akeju is a Christian writer who believes in the transformational power of God’s Word. His articles and books have been published on global platforms, and thousands of lives have been touched. He works with pastors and ministers, churches and ministries, and brands.