Hey PPN Family,

In his book People Fuel, Dr John Townsend highlights that just as our body needs physical nutrients from the food that we eat in order to be healthy and strong, in the same way we need to receive relational nutrients from other people in order for us to thrive emotionally and mentally.

Dr Townsend goes on to explain how the people in our lives can be divided into two groups, “Gain,” or “Drain.” Gain people are the people who bring us life and energy, giving us the relational nutrients that we need. Drain people are the ones who suck the life and energy out of us, depleting our relational nutrients.

The truth is that we all have some “Gain,” and some “Drain” in us, but the key point is that we need to surround ourselves with gain people who fill us with love, joy, and peace. This is not sitting around a table in a café with a group of people who are all on their phones, but having a warm community of people where you experience real connection, as you talk, listen, laugh, and cry together.

Paul gives us great insights into how we can be gain people for one another in Ephesians 4:31-32 when he writes, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

I hope that you have a loving community of gain people providing you with the relational nutrients that you need. If not, try visiting your local church, or joining a hobby club. Your best life could be only a few great friends away.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai