The condition of the mind has a much greater effect upon the health and to a much larger extent than most people, even doctors, realize. The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other is brought into sympathy. Many of the physical infirmities and diseases from which humanity suffers are the consequence of mental depression.

Grief, anxiety, discontentment, remorse, guilt, suspicion, all tend to collapse the vital force (or the genetic propensity to lifespan) of the body and invite disease disintegration and death.

Disease is sometimes created, and is frequently exacerbated, by the imagination.

Many are lifelong invalids who could be healthy if they simply thought so. Many people think that each little exposure will induce sickness, and the harmful outcome is brought on because it is anticipated. Many die from disease, the sole cause of which is altogether imaginary.
 Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, all of these advance health and extend life. A content mind, an optimistic spirit, is health to the system and strength to the soul. “A merry (rejoicing) heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22.

A case in point…a recent study by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel found that, “Feelings of happiness and optimism play a positive role against breast cancer. New research suggests that while staying positive has a protective role, adverse life events such as the loss of a parent or close relative, divorce or the loss of a spouse can increase a woman’s risk of developing the disease”. Science Daily
Article August 22, 2008

The researchers concluded that, “The mechanism in which the central nervous, hormonal and immune systems interact and how behavior and external events modulate these three systems is not fully understood”. As such, they suggest that “The relationship between happiness and health should be examined in future studies and relevant preventative initiatives should be developed”‘. Therefore when you or your loved ones are sick, the consequences of mental influence should not be ignored. Correctly utilized, this influence yields one of the most efficacious ways for combating disease.

Many times some lasting home difficulty is, like a canker, feeding on the very soul and debilitating the vital force. Sometimes the case is that remorse for some wrong or hurtful act committed is sabotaging the constitution and unbalancing the mind. It is through affectionate sympathy that this class can be profited.

If their faith can be targeted to the True Physician, and they can accept that He has undertaken their case, this will bring relief to the mind and oftentimes bring about health to the body. Sympathy and tactfulness will frequently show a greater benefit to the afflicted than will the most proficient treatment conferred in a cold, indifferent manner. When a physician comes to the sufferer with a listless, thoughtless manner, looks at the sick one with trivial concern, by word or action giving the impression that the case is not one calling for much attention, and then leaves the patient to his own reflections, he has caused that patient certain harm. The doubtfulness and discouragement produced by his nonchalance will often counteract the good effect of the treatments or remedies he might prescribe. Remember…”A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22.