The old Swedish motto is true: "Shared joy is a double joy. Shared sorrow is half a sorrow." When you laugh at something, it's twice as funny when there's somebody next to you laughing with you. Sharing with a friend doubles the joy of that honor or raise you got at work or some good news about your family. Shared sorrow reduces the pain when you have someone's shoulder to cry on.

This just isn't homespun wisdom, it's biblical truth! Let me point out the Scriptures that two are better than one.

Friends Provide Mutual Encouragement

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

When you're discouraged, when you've done wrong or have fallen on your face, a friend can help you back on your feet. The word woe in this verse means "God help." How difficult it is to make it through the barren, hot times of life when there isn't a friend to add the cool breath of shade.

Friends Provide Mutual Support When You're Vulnerable

Isn't that vivid? Literally this means being vulnerable, being in need. Let me ask you, have you ever stood in the unemployment line? Have you ever received a disheartening report from your doctor? Have you gone through a divorce? You know what it's like to need a friend. If you are in need right now, don't try to go through it alone. Reach out for a friend.

Friends Provide Mutual Protection When Attacked
If one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (v. 12)

If you have ever been under attack, it felt like you were being stalked by an enemy, didn't it? You needed a friend. I know you have Christ. I know you have the Bible. But you needed somebody you could talk to, somebody who understood you. A friend helps you filter out what's true and gives you perspective.

All of us have known times of struggle, vulnerability, and conflict—our Lord Jesus included. When he faced His most heart-wrenching moments in the garden of Gethsemane, He wanted His friends close to him. He needed their support.

Let's learn from His example and choose now, before the hard times hit, never to face life alone.

From Insights Vol. 10, No. 4. April 2000.

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