«And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.» ( l Corinthians 13:13)
Spirituality is a powerful resource that combats physical illness and psychosocial traumas and help one overcome severe crises. But it also loses its efficiency if it is not founded on solid and eternal principles. In a highly schematic way, we can say that spiritual health depends on two basic principles: the love of God, above any other things, and the love for others as for ourselves. Both principles are very important as they are closely related to our happiness.
Nicholas Winton was a stockbroker in London until one day in December 1938, when he visited Prague (The Czech Republic) and noticed the inhumane conditions in which thousands of Jews lived, women and children included. The suffering of others had a deep impact on him which led him to develop a plan to rescue as many Jewish children as possible by contacting people who were ready to receive these children in churches, synagogues and embassies in Sweden and Great Britain. Hundreds of children found shelter between March and August 1939 because of Winton’s intervention. The story remained a secret for almost fifty years until one day in 1988 when his wife Greta found a suitcase in the attic of their house. In it was a list of 669 children with some photos and several letters from their parents. This discovery urged Winton to reveal what had happened decades before. For that, he was honored with the title of Knight for his services to humanity in the United Kingdom and the City of Prague, besides receiving other recognitions and awards.
Beyond the health effects these actions can have on a person, they also justify our existence. Isn’t it inspiring to think that you have in your hands the capability of helping relieve human suffering no matter what the situation? If a stockbroker was capable of caring that much for so many unknown children and risking his own life just to save them, can you imagine what you could do if you place yourself in God’s hands?
The effect of resisting illnesses or recovering health through altruistic actions and the experience of loving and being loved by others (including God) may not have instant effects but the results over time are certainly remarkable.
Nicholas Winton lived for more than 105 years and enjoyed good health. The Bible teaches us that the effects of love can reach beyond eternity.
Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yudith C & Alejandra Zavala