SALVATION
«But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved» (Ephesians 2:4, 5).
Psychoanalyst René Spitz developed a study with shocking results in the middle of the twentieth century. In order to research child development, he compared two large groups. One which consisted of two hundred twenty children from the nursery of a penal institution where the children were raised by their own imprisoned mothers. The other group consisted of ninety-one infants who had been raised by their mothers until they were three months old, and then separated from their mothers to be hospitalized and cared for by a nurse who looked after nine other children at the same time. Both groups were similar in terms of their ages, environment, nutrition, and hygiene of the institution they were in; however, they differed with regard to the affection they received. The lack of affection suffered by the children in the second group was associated with a higher rate of mortality. Thirty-seven percent of the children did live past two years of age; those who survived had huge setbacks in their development such as serious difficulties in walking. The seriousness of the problem was in direct proportion to the lack of affection they received. However, if they were returned to their mothers after a few months, the children recovered without major complications.
Through his observations, Spitz discovered a fundamental principle of human development: it is not possible to live without love. Without affection, defenseless human beings get sick and die. But what are the characteristics of a love that can save lives? It is an impartial and selfless love that only seeks the good of the loved one. A sacrificial, patient, and kind love. A love that keeps no accounts of faults and is ready to forgive. A love that never loses hope and endures all things (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
Maybe you have not experienced such love from your parents. Those who did not receive affection while growing up may feel damaged and limited in love. Nevertheless, our heavenly Father is capable of restoring the past (Eccles. 3: 15). Children who were returned to their mothers overcame their effective deficits. In the same way, God heals broken hearts and casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
Remember that the great love with which He loved us brings us eternal life and salvation.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Alejandra Zavala
