You're a friend of mine

It's official: the doing of good deeds does you good! Researchers at the University of Michigan asked over 400 couples if they had helped a friend or neighbour in the previous year. Five years later, those who had were 50% more likely to outlive those who hadn't. While we all acknowledge that such positive social interaction is a good thing, we normally assume that the benefit comes from being on the receiving end. Rather, this research shows that the actual benefits may lie in the contributions we make to others.

The bible teaches that we reap what we sow. It's not just a biblical principle, but also a natural law. Gossip about your friends and you will lose their friendship. Be self-centred, and in time you will end up being friends with only yourself. Act in a loving and kind way to others and the love will come back. Every action has results.

We were never created to be completely independent. There are times in which we all need help from others, and times in which we need to do the helping. No one is exempt from this task. Communities function at their best when members work together for a common good. God calls us to watch out for the needs of each other. Perhaps the secret to a good and long life lies in treating others the way in which we would like to be treated ourselves.

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