A trusting relationship with our Creator begins with the understanding that He loves us unconditionally and wants us to prosper. He tells us: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, declares the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God's Unconditional Love - The Source of Healing
God’s love is the key that unlocks human potential. His love transforms our lives: it gives us the strength to overcome difficulties and heals wounds. A loving relationship with God helps us to trust Him and give our lives to Him. God is the source of love. His love is powerful and life-giving. Scientists have discovered that emotions have a significant impact on our health, both for good and for bad. Experts have shown that love is the most important emotion that can promote and maintain health and contribute to healing. It seems that something deep within our cells responds positively when we feel love. Love seems to be able to ignite healthy biological responses in the same way that good nutrition and exercise can.
The impact of love on health and well-being
Yale physician and bestselling author of “Love, Medicine and Miracles” (“Love, Medicine, and Miracles”) author Dr. Bernie Siegel emphasizes the importance of love. “Unconditional love is the strongest "an immune system stimulant. It is true that love heals wounds."
The God-given gift of love is a great promoter of well-being and it heals in a wonderful way the relationships between God and man, as well as between people.
According to one study, experiencing love can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and alcoholism. However, another study showed that experiencing love is the most important factor in developing positive self-esteem.
Among the benefits of experiencing love are higher and more regular levels of immunoglobulin A (a marker of immune system function) and a more regular heart rate.
On the other hand, it has been found that when parents do not show love to their children, it causes psychological suffering. Lack of love is one of the most common reasons why people commit or attempt suicide.
The results of these studies add to our understanding of how belief in God affects our well-being.
A trusting relationship with God as the foundation of a complete life
How we believe in God is also important: the best effect comes when we trust in God’s unconditional love for us. Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength and with all your mind” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39).
It is important to understand that love comes from God. Love flows from God into our lives and because of that, we can love Him back. Such a relationship frees us to love ourselves with the love given to us by God—without corruption. Only when we truly love God and ourselves can we truly love our neighbors. With this wonderful flow of love comes life and healing.
By accepting God’s unconditional love and trusting His power to transform our lives, we are energized to care for ourselves, reflecting His character to a world in need. Love motivates us to make healthier choices, rest in His peace, surround ourselves with healing and health-promoting environments, be physically and mentally active, trust Him, serve others, cultivate a positive outlook on life, and eat to restore our health and strength. In this way, we are motivated to care for ourselves and fulfill His mission.
Source: “CREATION Life”
“CREATION Life” is a way of thinking that sees the person as a whole. This way of thinking is designed to prevent disease and to help people live fuller and more abundant lives at all ages. “CREATION Life” is based on the Bible’s creation story and is the foundation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health ministry. “CREATION Life” is an institution Adventist Health owned trademark.
