Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Look at these verses for the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Whenever I officiate a wedding, I refer to these verses written by Solomon, son of David and the wisest man to ever live outside of Jesus. In his time Solomon was also the richest and most famous person in the world. There are two reasons why these verses are so appropriate for a wedding ceremony. Reason one, they illustrate the reality that there is strength in numbers and that adversities that arise in life are not meant to be faced alone. In a marriage, this reality is essential.
The other thing that makes these verses so great is the last observation Solomon makes, “That three are even better, for as triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Married couples committing to one another in the presence of the Holy Spirit get that the third component of this triple braided cord is Jesus Himself. With Him at the center of that relationship, any challenge, and any trial can be faced and overcome through an abiding faith in Him.
Well, that truth doesn’t start and end with a marriage. What Solomon’s pointing out here is that placing God at the center of every relationship we have is the best way to be sure that the relationships we’re investing in are going to glorify Him and bring us peace, love, joy, and comfort.
Whether you’re married or not, seeing Jesus as a viable presence in all your interactions is big. And that doesn’t mean that you should only be hanging out with other Christians. Quite the opposite in fact. We owe it to all the people we like, love, and work with to show them the beautiful way life can unfold when Jesus is that third cord fortifying the relationship. Heck, we owe it even more to the people we interact with who we don’t like that much!
Bring Jesus into any relationship and that relationship can’t help but become instantly better!