To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
. . . . A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,5b, NKJV)
This verse is a very basic truth, even self evident. I'm dismayed and disgusted by some of the blatant embraces you can see in public places, as I'm sure you are. Some embraces were never meant to display to the world.
And a time to embrace. A nonsexual embrace in public is acceptable and needed in times of grief, fear, or shared upsets or joys. I've sometimes hugged total strangers to congratulate or greet them or to share in some grief.
Keep in mind--some people really don't appreciate hugging, even if they know you well. Watch the body language.
And be careful, those of you who are younger. Sometimes that friendly hug can be misinterpreted, or can lead to something you really, really shouldn't get involved in. Those are the times to refrain from any embrace. Even well-meaning hugs can change into something more than you originally intended--watch out!
There's a time and a place for everything, including embracing. Save those precious hugs for the proper time and the proper place.
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