Years ago, the Holy Spirit said something funny to me: “Three hugs a day keeps strife away.”
It was in January, around my wedding anniversary. My husband and I always celebrate of course, but it’s also the season of “new resolutions” in life. We had just come off a rough year and I was praying for change.
When the Holy Spirit told me, “Three hugs a day keeps strife away,” I could immediately see the meaning behind this statement. I have always been more naturally affectionate than Tod (just differences in personality), but over the years, our busy lives had caused us to be more like ships passing in the night than anything else.
Without it being said, I knew the Holy Spirit was reminding me of the importance of harmony.
When I told my husband, he looked at me a little sarcastically and said, “Really?” But, since it was our anniversary, he appeased me. And then the miraculous happened. Two weeks later, after obeying the Holy Spirit and stopping periodically just to give or get a hug (not a quick one, but one that would allow us to feel our hearts beat as one), Tod said to me, “You know this really works.”
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when the brethren live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting” (Psalm 133:1-3, NLT).
It doesn’t get more plain than that: “AND THERE the Lord has pronounced His blessing…”
Where? God said His blessing is right there over the place and people where harmony and unity exists. It’s not necessary to implement hugs at the next board meeting or presidential debate, but it is important to recognize the blessing (and importance) God places on unity. If we would remember this promise, not only would we experience less strife, but I believe we would see more of God’s favor.
So I hope you’ll strive for harmony today and everyday. (And yes, I still recommend 3 hugs a day in marriages!)
