Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
The value of our family at Karns is immeasurable. God knew we would be stronger and more effective together with a family. In these verses, the author tells us that we are stronger together and that we need one other to lift each other up.
In scripture, we find many examples of God’s people helping one other and lifting each other up. I think of David and Jonathan. When David was running from King Saul, Jonathan was there to encourage and lift him up. In 1 Samuel 18 we read that David loved Jonathan as his own soul. Without a doubt, the burden David was carrying was much more bearable with Jonathan’s friendship. If we follow God’s word, like Jonathan and David, we will be a threefold cord that is not quickly broken.
If we as God’s people can follow the examples in scripture, we will be a stronger family, able to withstand the temptations and struggles we face from day to day. We must be ready to encourage one another so that the burdens we face do not tear one away. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” I can see these words in my own life as I think of many brothers and sisters who have helped me grow and become stronger in my faith.
Let us challenge ourselves to study God’s word, grow our faith, and to help those who may be weaker in the faith so that they may mature and help others to grow also. How can we help God’s family grow stronger?