In Part I of this series, we learned that love is very potent medicine. Scientific studies have shown that those who feel loved have better immune systems, faster wound healing, and lower rates of angina pectoris, or chest pain.

In Part II, however, we will learn that the absence of love can be quite detrimental to your health. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine.” But the rest of that verse adds, “But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”  Makai Allbert, writing in The Epoch Times, tells us love can heal, yet its absence can be emotionally painful—even physically devastating.

In 2005, a group of research doctors from Johns Hopkins University wrote a study on a heart condition known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome—a nickname medical professionals don’t object to.Stress-induced cardiomyopathy occurs after people—primarily women older than age 65—experience sudden acute emotional stress. This could be caused by the death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, or another distressing event.

Research reveals that these “broken hearts” often exhibit an enlarged and ballooning left ventricle. While this condition can lead to adverse outcomes, including higher mortality, it is typically reversible with appropriate care, as the affected heart muscle remains viable and capable of recovery.

Truong Nguyen, an obstetrician and gynecologist, said he believes love should be at the core of medical practice. “Do no harm” is not enough, he said, suggesting that medical staff should truly care for patients with the love and attention they would show to friends or family. He told The Epoch Times that you don’t have to look far to see the absence of care in medicine, as medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Showing love for patients promotes their safety and cultivates a positive mindset that can help them heal. Furthermore, many modern treatments have limitations, and that’s where spirituality or belief in God may be helpful, he said. As he pointed out, this “intervention” has no negative side effects.

Love as an emotion and intervention does not have to come from a single individual. Many people feel a higher or more transcendent love, usually associated with religious experiences. A study by Jeff Levin at Baylor University examined the concept of religious love, defined as the feeling of loving or being loved by God. The findings indicated a significant association between perceived divine love and self-reported health ratings.

How do we harness the power of love?

Here is where I depart from the author of this article and the physicians he quotes. While they advocate “Six Ways to Harness the Power of Love” by drawing on positive thoughts, self-love, keeping a journal, and other self-help remedies, I would take a more spiritual approach.

The author of all love is God. The Bible tells us in I John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”  If you truly want to love and be loved, you must know God. And to know God, you must know His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30. To know Jesus is to know God. And to know God, is to know love. That’s the best medicine of all!