Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 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! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him — a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
God did not create us to be alone. Even in the beginning, he designed Eve to be a helpmate to Adam. There is value to marriage, and also to close friends. This passage is not saying that you have to be married, but even if you are single, you need friends around you for support. A spouse or good friend can provide encouragement and support when you have fallen (verse 10), and can help protect you against the trials of the world (verses 11 and 12). Our culture celebrates the lone "macho" male, but that individuality is what has often got us into trouble. Recovery requires that we admit our weakness and need for each other.
God, thank You for friends and spouses. Help me to admit my need for others, and to seek out support and accountability.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 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! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him — a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
God did not create us to be alone. Even in the beginning, he designed Eve to be a helpmate to Adam. There is value to marriage, and also to close friends. This passage is not saying that you have to be married, but even if you are single, you need friends around you for support. A spouse or good friend can provide encouragement and support when you have fallen (verse 10), and can help protect you against the trials of the world (verses 11 and 12). Our culture celebrates the lone "macho" male, but that individuality is what has often got us into trouble. Recovery requires that we admit our weakness and need for each other.
God, thank You for friends and spouses. Help me to admit my need for others, and to seek out support and accountability.