Leonard Syme, a professor of epidemiology at the University of California, believes that social ties and support systems have a great impact on mortality and disease rates. He points out that Japan is the world leader in health and longevity, and relates this to the close social, cultural, and traditional ties that are part of Japanese culture. Conversely, he indicates that the more isolated people are, the poorer their health and the higher their death rate.
Someone once said; ‘Friends are like good health: you don’t realize what a gift they are until you lose them.’ The Bible says that prosperity may beget friends, but it’s adversity that proves them. That’s what makes Jesus’ words so precious when, speaking of those of us who follow him, said, ‘I no longer call you servants, I call you my friends.’