The importance of nourishing friendships

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. - 1 Samuel 18:1

The world-renowned psychologist, Sigmund Freud, died at the age of 83, a bitter and disillusioned man. Though he was one of the most influential thinkers of our time, Freud had little compassion for the common person.

In 1918, he wrote, “I have found little that is good about human beings on the whole. In my experience most of them are trash, no matter whether they publicly subscribe to this or that ethical doctrine or to none at all” (Veritas Reconsidered, p. 36).

As a result of his bitterness toward humanity, Freud died friendless. Many of his loyal followers had even abandoned him, not out of psychological disagreements, but because they were disillusioned with how bitter he had become.

Apart from your relationship with Christ, your relationships with people are some of the most valuable commodities you’ll ever have. Yet many, as they grow older, tend to become like Freud: bitter, angry, and cynical toward others.

But as you grow in your faith, you can be the exact opposite as the joy of the Lord overcomes your life more and more every day. So nourish your friendships and keep people close. They’re some of the most important things you can have in life!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would surround you with good friends with whom you can share life and the love of Christ!