Two are better than one

Two are better than one

Scripture:-Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Observation:- This Scripture from Ecclesiastes speaks of unity and teamwork, meaningful of marriage, meaningful of members of a project team, and in various circumstances. Why is two better than one? Because they have a good reward for their labor. It has been proven that two horses combined can pull far more weight than the sum of their individual efforts. In this instance, 2+2 does not equal 4 but 5 or 6! As the saying goes, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Quite often, even in football, we see a team of average players working well together outplay teams with brilliant individual talents but lack of teamwork. In a marriage too, it is important for husband and wife to work together towards a noble common goal and God will reward their efforts.

All of us have bad days, when something gets us down. In those days, we really need a friend to listen to us, to support us, to tell us it will be ok. Depression in loneliness can be very dangerous indeed. This also teaches us the important of being a friend, to our spouse, to our children, to our colleagues and friends.

When two lie together …. Husband and wife come to mind. The warmth is not just physical, but also spiritual. There is a warmth in knowing that the other person is near, that there is someone to turn to, someone who cares.

Finally, in any conflict, having a friend beside is an advantage, and having three makes a strong group. In a marriage, the threefold cord gives us the image of God, husband and wife, united as a team. In prayer, Jesus said “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them”. There is power when even two or three come together to pray.

Application:- In a marriage, commit to be united with your husband and wife towards common goals for the good of the family, with God in the centre always. Be a friend, support each other during bad days, enjoy each other’s care and warmth. At work, be united for the common goal of the team. Be a friend to those who may be in need or having a bad day. Care for one another. Remember the strength of a three-fold cord. Come together often to pray even with 2 or 3.

Prayer:- Lord, bless our family with unity, care and love always, even in bad times. Help us always be a friend to those who need us, and let us always put You in the Centre of our marriage, friendships and work. In Jesus name, Amen.