Daily devotional · January 12
Better Together
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
The Teacher of Ecclesiastes looks at toil and loneliness and concludes that two are better than one. If one falls, the other lifts him up. Two together keep warm, and two can withstand an attacker that would overcome one alone. Then comes the memorable line about a cord of three strands not quickly broken. Christians have often heard in the third strand the presence of God in friendship and marriage, though the text itself simply celebrates the strength of companionship. Whatever reading we prefer, the lesson is the same: isolation is dangerous and community is a mercy. Many people today are surrounded by contacts and still lonely. If that is you, know that you are not strange, and consider talking with a pastor or counselor. Today, send a message to someone you have not spoken to in a while, or invite one person to coffee this week.
Prayer
God, You made us for one another. Send me a friend today, and make me one. Amen.