A is for Affection – Affection Builds Connection

Read The Daily:
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16

Post by Alisha Miller

When I was growing up, one of the things my parents did so well was showing affection and forgiveness even after they had to correct me. I can still remember times when I had made mistakes—sometimes big ones—and even though there were consequences, they always made sure I knew I was still loved. They made sure to remind me that nothing I did could ever change their love for me. It was their way of showing that forgiveness wasn’t just a word—it was an action. Their love didn’t depend on me getting everything right; it was steady and sure, even when I failed.

Now that I’m a parent, my husband and I are intentional about doing the same thing with our own kids. After tough conversations or necessary corrections, we always make a point to show affection. We want our children to experience grace in real time, to know that love isn’t earned by being perfect. It’s a reflection of how God loves us—steady, forgiving, and unconditional. By modeling this at home, we pray that our kids will grow up knowing that even when they fall short, they are never out of reach of love.

Jesus didn’t keep kids at arm’s length—He pulled them close. The Gospels make it clear that He welcomed children with open arms, laying hands on them and blessing them. He didn’t just tolerate their presence; He embraced them in a way that made them feel valued. This kind of loving affection from a parent or caregiver speaks volumes to a child. It tells them they’re seen, safe, and important.

Affection is more than physical—it’s emotional and spiritual reassurance that they are deeply loved.

As parents, we sometimes get caught in the correction cycle. We feel the weight of shaping their behavior, setting boundaries, and guiding their hearts. While discipline matters, affection must remain the foundation. A hug after correction, kind words during conflict, or gentle presence in their fear can help them understand they are loved—even when they mess up. It’s in those small, affectionate moments that our children begin to associate love not just with good behavior, but with being unconditionally accepted.

Prayer for the Day

God what are you  showing me?  What am I going to do about it?
God help me to see one person that I can serve through a kind word, random act of kindness, or simple gift today?
Make sure you complete the reading or comment today.

Read The New Testament In A Year

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Matthew 2:1-15

You have made me act like a fool. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all. When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you. The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong! Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me. Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery. But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you? When I urged Titus to visit you and sent our other brother with him, did Titus take advantage of you? No! For we have the same spirit and walk in each other’s steps, doing things the same way. Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you. For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure. 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Read More – Bible Project Overviews: Matthew, 2 Corinthians