The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University studies and promotes how people thrive. Major pathways highlighted by their work include family and friendship, religious community, meaningful work and forgiveness. I found it fascinating to read their conclusions, especially as they reinforce biblical views on flourishing.

Along with forgiveness and family, stories of friendship and meaningful work fill the Scriptures. In several places Paul mentions those traveling with him on his missionary journeys, including this list of colleagues alongside him in Greece:

Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

Never working alone, Paul surrounded himself with mature (or maturing) believers. This band included Timothy, a future pastor; Tychicus, the courier of Paul’s letters to various churches; and Aristarchus, who faced the mob alongside Paul in Ephesus.

Paul exemplified the value of running with good people. God designed our lives to be lived with others. I need them and they need me. A good church, a small group Bible study, or a prayer circle all buoy my walk with Jesus. But it gets better—commit to a community of like-minded believers and set out on a path to flourishing. I see that in my life and in the lives of many others.

The Harvard study confirms the value of counting Jesus followers as my friends. I’m surprised, but not surprised, by their findings. God laid out his plan for human flourishing long ago in the Scriptures. Current academic research simply adds an encouraging verification to his ancient ways.

Acts 20 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Small Group Network