Daily Devotional for December 4, 2020
Don’t Touch
(Editor’s note: Providing Christian training on this story’s subject matter is important. However, it may not be suitable for very young children.)
Princess purred loudly as her four tiny kittens nestled beside her. But when Gabriella leaned over the box, Princess hissed and swatted the air. Gabriella jumped back. “I just want to pet your babies, Princess. What’s wrong with that?” Of course, Princess didn’t answer with words, but her look said, “Don’t try that again!” And when Gabriella checked on the kittens later, they were gone. Princess had moved them.
“Hi, Princess,” said Gabriella when she found the kittens in the linen closet. “You have such a nice family. Can I hold one?” As she reached for a kitten, Princess hissed and swatted at Gabriella again. “Princess, I’m your friend! I won’t hurt them.” But Princess glared at Gabriella until she went away.
It happened again—Princess moved the kittens. “What’s wrong with her?” Gabriella asked her mother. “I only want to pet them, but she won’t let me.”
“Princess is just being a good mother. She’s protective of her kittens because she knows they’re fragile and weak.” Mom sat down next to Gabriella. “Honey, this reminds me of something I want to talk to you about. Princess has a responsibility to protect her kittens, so she won’t let anyone touch them. You have a special responsibility too—that of protecting your body.”
Puzzled, Gabriella looked at her mother. “Are you saying I shouldn’t let anyone touch me, like Princess won’t let me touch her kittens?”
“No, I’m not saying that,” said Mom. “There’s nothing wrong with a hug or a kiss on the cheek to show affection to loved ones. But if someone tries to hug or kiss you when you don’t feel comfortable with it, or if they try to touch you in a way that doesn’t feel right, that’s not okay. If anyone—anyone at all—ever tries to touch your body in a way that makes you uncomfortable, tell them to stop. Then tell me, your dad, or another adult you trust so we can help make sure it never happens again. God created your body, and since you know Jesus, His Spirit lives inside you. No one has a right to touch you in a way that feels wrong.”
“Okay, Mom,” Gabriella said. “And since Princess isn’t comfortable with me holding her kittens, I’ll leave them alone.” • Jan L. Hansen
How about you?
Are you protecting your body? If someone touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell them to stop immediately. Then tell one of your parents or some other trusted adult. They will help you handle the situation. God created your body, and no one has a right to touch you in a way you don’t want them to. If they do, it’s not your fault, but it’s important to put a stop to it and get help.
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