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!