\n<\/p>\n
Proverbs 17:17<\/p>\n
“The scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend” <\/em><\/p>\n James 2:23<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n You might have asked, “Why do I need friends?” <\/em>While studying the effects of stress, researchers stumbled upon the benefits of friendship for women in times of stress. They found that while all people generally possess a “flight or fight” response to stressful situations, women also tend to exhibit a “tend or befriend” response which drives them to look after children or spend extra time with friends.<\/p>\n Women who gather with their friends more frequently or spend more time caring for their children also experience the added benefit of increased oxytocin production, which helps to further provide a sense of calm and well-being. Research continues, but it appears likely that these benefits exclude men due to the effects of heightened testosterone production when stressed.<\/p>\n However, the Bible addresses another benefit of friendship for everyone…<\/p>\n “If one falls down, his friend can help him up.”<\/em>
Ecclesiastes 4:10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n