Two is Better than One
by Brandy Webb
The news these days has been rather disturbing and depressing. I found myself really feeling anxiety this week with all that is going on in the world. In fact, I think I am going to take a break from the news for a while because it seems that 99 percent of it does not have the traits that are listed in Philippians 4:8. In fact, usually the news is just a joy stealer.
Anyway, with that said, I am realizing the importance of fellowshipping with believers. We cannot go through this world and all its craziness alone. It is far too hard to endure by ourselves. Now, I know that we have the Holy Spirit to help us and comfort us, but I feel God’s Spirit more when I am amongst other Christians than when I am alone. That is probably why the Messiah states that when there are two or three gathered in His name, He will be among them (Matt 18:20).
We need each other to lift each other up, to be there for support, to laugh with, to cry with, because “two are better than one…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” (Eccl 4:9-10).
We are told to make sure we “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of [us] may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13). Therefore, that tells me that if we are trying to go at this alone, we run the risk of becoming bitter and hardened by this world. I know from experience that when I am feeling overwhelmed, a good conversation with a friend really does wonders to lift up my spirits. It is awesome to have people in my life that encourage me when I need it, and I, in return, encourage them.
We can see countless examples of God’s people working together. Moses and Aaron, Naomi and Ruth, Joshua and Caleb, and even the Messiah had twelve disciples. When we have others, it is easier to stay focused, especially if we work hard to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thess 5:11).
The Bible is all about God’s people being there for each other. God created Eve to be a companion for Adam at the very beginning of creation. We were not created to be alone. His people are to be a unified body with many members, and as a body we work together for the common good (1 Cor 12:12)
It is easy to become fearful when we are alone. So, we should reach out to each other. We need each other so that we can “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:23-25).