Dear Friend,
What is life without love? Is it not, ultimately, life without
meaning? That people need love is considered a basic truth
by many scientists. In "Can't Do Without Love,"
U.S. News & World Report reported that biologists
"know that love is central to human existence . . .
The capacity for loving emotions is . . . written into our
biochemistry, essential if children are to grow and thrive"
(Feb. 17, 1997, p. 58).
Research has shown that even intelligence in children—and
hence the ability to excel at many tasks—depends to
some degree on loving attention and communication. If children
do not receive loving attention, they will not be well equipped
to function in society. They need the love of their parents
to succeed.
It isn't only children who depend on love for their well-being.
Although generally less vulnerable than children, adults also
suffer when deprived of love. The same U.S. News &
World Report article said, "Love’s absence
can be devastating: The loss of a spouse often hastens death
in older people."
Life's challenges are more easily managed when we have the
support that friendship and loving relationships provide.
The Bible confirmed this truth more than 3,000 years ago:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward
for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one
to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
The wisdom of the Bible and many assenting human voices
tell us that people who lack affectionate ties with others
find it difficult to make life work. The mutual giving and
receiving that flow from personal relationships increase life's
worth. God created us with the need to be connected to other
people. These ties give significance and satisfaction to our
lives.
 Would
you like to learn more about how to make life work better
for you and your family? Our booklet Making
Life Work discusses this subject in depth. Be sure to
write for or download
this free booklet or any of our other literature or publications.
Also, the United Church of God has congregations in most
parts of the world where people of like mind gather each Sabbath
for worship and fellowship. If you are interested in meeting
with and getting to know these converted, caring people, please
contact us and we will put you in touch with our ministerial
representative nearest you. We would love to meet you!
Sincerely,
Roy Holladay
President
United Church of God, an International Association
PS—Our United Youth Camps planning team was in town
this week to continue their planning and preparations for
next year's teen summer and winter camps. It is evident that
they and their staff of dedicated volunteers truly care about
the young people they serve, and the feelings are mutual.
Many teens say the camps help them connect with ministers,
staff members and God, as well as the many new friends they
make. You can find more about this program at www.ucg.org/youthcamps/.
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