”Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.“ (vv. 9-12)

I read this text at weddings.

Why?

Because two are better than one.

Our individualistic culture tries to convince you that you are enough, that you don’t need anyone else, that you can do you. It tries to make self supreme. And, when times of pain or difficulty or need come, it offers little more than a shoulder shrug.

What does God’s good order tell us?

That we need each other. That the shoulders of another help you bear your burden, carry your load, or at least give you a place to shed some tears. It tells us that companionship and community—built up from our homes, through the church, and into our neighborhoods—are where we find comfort, security, and love.

Oh, and it tells us that when we wrap our communities around Him, they’ll prove hard to break.

And that is better.

— Tyler