TIME magazine, February 23, 2015, makes an intriguing statement “research shows married couples enjoy greater longevity than singles.” That report makes “’til death do us part” even more of a commitment. Married couples have been found to have lower rates of substance abuse, lower blood pressure, and less depression than singles. Even though the study is a few years old, it is confirmed in many more recent studies. Longevity benefits were linked to all close social relationships, not just romantic ones — meaning your friends and family are good for your health, too.
This is a reminder to reach out to those not brought up in a loving home, surrounded by those who always “have your back.” That is on you and me to live out our faith in ways that people see the One who guides our life. Humans are hardwired to need love, but we learn about it secondhand. We pick it up from our own personal experiences with the primary parent or caretaker. But we also grasp and receive love from our observations and encounters with our friends, mentors, teachers. Could that be at the heart of the Psalmist’s words in Psalm 68:5-6 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Jesus loves us, and that helps us love others. Love comes from a heart that is connected to Jesus. When we truly know him and understand his heart for us and for others, we will love well.