The Fruits of Friendship

By: Dennis Velez, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering ‘26
Written on: July 31, 2025

During His Earthly ministry, Jesus Christ spoke highly of the importance of friendship. He preached, performed miracles, and healed so many with His friends by his side. I always wondered why Jesus was so adamant to call His Apostles His friends throughout his ministry, and my experience with my Bible Study at Georgia Tech helped me realize why.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of a very tightly knit Bible study throughout my undergrad at Tech. We grew during those years, and my fellow members became some of my closest friends on campus. Those friendships rooted in Christ gave me the opportunity to talk with other guys who were going through the same challenges and fears that I was, but also the same joys and successes. They challenged me and pushed me to be a better Catholic and a better man every day. That’s why I think Jesus was never alone and always had His friends by His side. Friendship is vital to human existence, and pushes us all to be the best versions of ourselves, especially rooted in a common belief tying them together. The Apostles experienced it through Christ, and I know I experienced it through my Bible study.