A thought by John Townsend from his book, Loving People (p.26). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
It makes a real difference.
John says, “Research seems to indicate that not only is love a spiritual and a developmental matter, but there is also a hardwiring aspect to it. That is, scientists are beginning to tie in attachment and connection to biological and neurological structures and processes. They see a two-way street of interaction between relationships and how the brain develops. Relationships affect the brain, and vice versa. This is exciting research because it suggests that we are designed to connect relationally and personally, from our cells on up, and that relationships are a powerful force in how we grow and develop.
“Neurotransmitters in the brain, as well as our hormones, are part of this research. For example, the brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are being associated with drives for connection and romantic attraction. As we interact with each other, we are also going through significant increases and decreases in the amounts of these chemicals. (Helen Fisher, Why We Love [New York: Henry Holt, 2004].”
He goes on, “Additionally, researchers have identified brain substances called mirror neurons, and there is a great deal of scientific interest in them. In animal studies, these neurons fire the same way when the subject either performs an act or observes someone else doing the same thing. For example, the same result occurs when the animals both eat food and watch another one eat. As research is beginning with humans now, one possibility is that neurons might be involved in the way we empathize. In other words, seeing someone’s emotions might generate a similar emotional response in us, supported by the activity of the mirror neurons. There is much unknown at this point, but it is exciting to see how we might be designed for connection.
He continues, “In addition, there is a great deal of research supporting the idea that love, in and of itself, promotes well-being and health in general. Secure relationships, for example, have been shown to help people deal with adversity, recover more quickly from stressful life events, and experience increased immune functioning. And on the negative side, loneliness can speed up our natural physical decline as we age. Loving people are not only doing the right thing; they are living the right life.”
He then says, “We need to be encouraged about this information, especially because of how it supports the idea in the Bible that a life lived the way God designed for us, connected to each other and connected to him as he tells us to, results in good things for us: ‘If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you for all time.’(Deuteronomy 4:40) However, none of these findings should lead us to conclude that love is determined by chemistry or heritage, and that we have no say in our tendencies toward or against relationships. We still have responsibility and choices, no matter what the impact of our biology. The burden of love does not change, nor does our ownership of it.”
And our a loneness and loneliness is why this pandemic has been so difficult, isn't it, because we really do need each other?
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