The Torah presents us with the unique commandment to send away a mother bird before taking her eggs (22:6). The reward given is “so that it should be good for you, and you should lengthen your days” (22:7). What is so distinctive about this command that a respective reward accompanies it?
Quoting the Ramban, Ktav Sofer explains that repeated actions have the ability to change us. If we are habitually kind to others (people, animals, the planet, etc.), we will become kinder and more empathetic. The Torah teaches us that empathizing with others’ struggles will not increase our pain but rather our compassion and kindness. We become happier overall as we support others in need, leading to a long and virtuous life.
