Two are better than one

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed" - Ecleasiastes 4:9

Of all the Bible translations for this particular verse, the above version from the New Living Translation is my favorite. We find in other translations: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor". As you read the verses that follows this one it talks about keeping each other warm, being stronger together, which makes me understand that having a good reward for whatever it is that you're working on together means succeeding at it.

The Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

Eclesiastes 4:9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labors hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises. Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian fellowship. In these things all is not vanity, though there will be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.

Becoming a threefold cord

It's always good to have a companion to walk by your side through your life journey. But when it comes to the union of Christians through friendships or marriage it gets even better because you became not two but three.

"Where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord."

It's great to connect to someone because of common activities or interests. It's awesome to be close to someone because of similar ideas and goals. It's even better when you can be emotionally open to a person. But above all, it's BEST to connect to someone spiritually. Because when two people, whose main interest is to grow closer to God, start walking together, the Holy Spirit will join them in their walk, and they will be not two but three. That's what I call a strong relationship! Two people following God together equals a threefold cord.

You, God and me. The three of us have a Bible promise to hold to as we walk together:


"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:19 and 20.)

WOW! Isn't it wonderful?!