Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Sometime in 2019, my Pastor asked us to explain this scripture in the way we understood it. We were six (not including our Pastor) who met to talk about life and the gospel. Rhema was flying through the room.

I prefer listening to talking any day. So, when it got to the guy beside me, I was a bit uneasy. I understood it yet could not find the words to explain the scripture. Knowing that the next person to share would be me, I racked my brain for creative things to say, and to my surprise, nothing clicked.

‘Yes, Marvy! what’s your take?’ came my Pastor’s voice.

I opened my mouth and said, ‘Firstly, it is good if you are alone…’ Everyone stared at me in wonder.

I continued, ‘…but it is better if you have a friend who labors with you for a good return. Someone who lifts you when you fall, brings warmth to your life and fights with you when evil attacks. If you have a friend that does not do any of these things, you are alone. Find a company that makes your life better.’

The look on their faces assured me they digested my points. To this day, I don’t know where what I said came from, but it has remained with me to date.

Most times, I analyze the company I keep by asking myself I’m I better alone than with this person? The answer is always a pointer to what action I take next.

The Bible in that passage talks about the benefits of friendship. This insight can apply to marriage as well as everyday relationships. It is a beautiful thing to have someone that makes you the best version of yourself. If you have such a person, you should treasure and celebrate him or her.

Verse 12 introduces God in the circle of friendship. A cord of three strands refers to two human friends and God. The best way for us to live our purpose effortlessly is to relate with God. He teaches us how to love each other wholly.

Find who makes you 2. Add God, make it 3!