With one of the most extensive psychological studies ever conducted at Harvard University, scientists can now explain the new commandment Jesus gave in the Gospel of John thousands of years ago. In a study that spanned over 75 years, research has demonstrated how the often misunderstood commandment brings true happiness.

“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,” said Robert Waldinger, director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.”

 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” — John 13:34-35

What Is Love

Love is used today to describe our attitude about everything from cars to partners and friends. Traditionally philosophers from Greece and Christian theologians have known better. They held four distinct types of love; eros, storgos, philia, and agape. Eros is sexual attraction and our carnal desires. Storgos is the affection we hold toward our parents or country. Philia is the kind of love we have for our friends. Agape is the supreme form of love. It is the love we have for our children and the homeless for the ones who can do nothing for us, but we are called to love. When rightly ordered, all four loves bring us closer to God and to ultimate happiness and joy. Love is more than a feeling. Feelings will come and go. Love is something you do, and you must work at it.

Throughout the Bible and within Christian teaching, in general, it is, of course, essential to care for your body. It is a gift from God. However, more important is to care for your relationships. Your career, status financial achievements and such will not bring you happiness, relationships will. Paul tells us that love is the greatest of the theological virtues: “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” — 1 Cor. 13:13