(2006/5767)

The Torah states in Parshat Noach (8:11), “VaTavo Eilav HaYonah LeEit Erev, VeHinei Alei Zayit Taraf BeFeeha,” “And the dove came to him in the evening and, behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth.”

Rashi quotes the Gemara (Eruvin 18b) which says that it was unnatural for the dove to eat the bitter tasting olive leaf.  By bringing this leaf to Noach, the dove was showing that it would rather eat bitter food provided by Hashem than eat sweet food provided by a human.  Chazal explain that Noach fed every animal its preferred food at its preferred time.  Even though Noach was so considerate, the Yonah chose to eat a bitter leaf from Hashem instead of the food provided by Noach.

Based on this, HaRav A.H. Leibowitz Shlita suggests that it is also unnatural for us to rely on other humans for help, especially if we are helped only grudgingly or half-heartedly.  Our Neshamah is bound to Hashem, and it feels pain when it must turn to a human for sustenance.  It can accept a favor only with difficulty, even if the help is from a close friend.  This shows us that we should be as caring and compassionate as possible to others when we help them.