Two Are Better Than One
by Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV
When God said it was not good for Adam to be alone, He wasn’t just talking about the beauty of marriage between a man and a woman. In those few words, God states that along with our relationship to Him, He created us to need connections to other human beings.
A friend described her visit to several orphanages in a third world country. Numerous infants and toddlers quietly languished in their cribs, quiet because crying brought little help. Caregivers met their physical needs with no time to meet their emotional needs. Most of the babies had never been cuddled or even knew how to make eye contact. Though fed, tiny bodies belied their ages. Many could not walk or even hold up their heads. Why bother? No one cared enough to cheer them on.
Babies need more than physical nourishment. They need human touch. God created us for community. Genuine intimacy with Jesus requires relationships with others, whether life is good or hard. Life takes on new energy and purpose when other human beings cheer us on and we in turn, cheer on those we love.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Don’t miss the multi-colored truth of Today’s Treasure. Two are better than one for doing life, but a threefold cord cannot be broken. For the child of God, the third person in this relationship is Jesus. God made us for relationship with Him and with others. Be intentional about cultivating community where you can invest in the lives of others as they invest in yours. Be intentional about cultivating intimacy with Jesus.
Father, thank you for the privilege of intimacy with Jesus and the joy of walking in community, a gift designed by You to not only meet our needs but the needs of others, too.
Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children and fourteen grandchildren.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.