Imagine a young man who has suffered an extreme tragedy that has left him with no hands to touch others – no nerves to feel with fingers that no longer exist. Perhaps this was due to leprosy or some severe accident that tore or burned the flesh from his arms. Whatever the case, this young man has mere bony arm-stubs left, from where his hands would have been.
This young man, as crippled as he would seem, will reach out and touch those he loves, to give them a back-scratch and show his care. Yes, with that bony stub of an arm.
He gets no feeling from the action – no sensation from the nerves. The action gets no benefit for him – it’s a pure demonstration of love and care, as he knows they love his gesture.
This is pure kindness. Pure love.