Have you ever heard the clause “No man is an island”? It is often used to highlight the significance of teamwork and collaboration. It emphasizes that humans are social beings who rely on others to thrive. This cliché holds a great truth: we all need people in our lives. None of us can truly be self-sufficient. The journey of life is meant to be shared, and we are meant to walk it together.

Having friends is good but having the right friends is even better. The Bible says

Proverbs 13:20

New King James Version

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

To a great extent, your association helps shape your character. Who you spend your time with plays a huge role in the kind of person you become. Society has glorified solitude and isolation. However, building healthy lasting relationships won’t just help you physically but also spiritually. When you look through the Bible, you see examples of relationships that were beneficial.

1 Samuel 18: 1-4

New King James Version

1 Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

2 Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore.

3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

David and Jonathan had a close knit friendship; they had brotherly love for each others. Their friendship was vital for David’s protection. When King Saul sought to harm David Jonathan helped him escape his father Saul. Their friendship ultimately saved David life. It’s incredible how genuine friendships can have such a positive impact on our lives, especially during challenging times.

Ruth 1:16-17

New King James Version

16 But Ruth said:

“Entreat me not to leave you,

Or to turn back from following after you;

For wherever you go, I will go;

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people,

And your God, my God.

17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”

Even though their friendship was borne out of tragedy, Ruth’s steadfast loyalty and encouragement helped them both. They became each other’s companions and Ruth by following Naomi’s advice, got married again and started a new family.

Even at creation after God had made the first man he said this:

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬

New King James V‬‬ersion

18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Our creator God knew that it wasn’t good for him to remain alone. We were made to rely on others. No matter our personality or our temperament, nothing will change the fact that we need friends; especially ones of like mind.

You may have had bad experiences with friends in the past and you are reluctant to let people in but I encourage you to try again. This time with the help of the Holy Spirit your steps can be ordered into kingdom associations. Life long bonds that would outlive this present age. Not only does the Bible give examples of beneficial relationships, it also shows us why relationships are so important.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

New King James Version

9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Proverbs 27:17

New King James Version

17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

You should never shy away from beneficial relationships because these relationships would help you. The two verses above explain the importance of having the right friends. Don’t let society or experiences give you the wrong idea. Relationships are necessary to flourish in every sphere of life. Don’t be scared to open up to the blessing that beneficial relationships are.

You must understand that relationships take time and effort to build. So nurture the ones you have, be patient, extend grace to people and most importantly, be open. Surround yourself with the right people, people who share your Christian values and push you to do more.

Prayer Point:

Dear Father, thank you for your word that has come to me today. Lord, give me the wisdom to handle relationships. Help me build meaningful relationships with others.