Two are Better Than One

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Loneliness can come upon us at any time, even in the middle of a crowd. We might be at a shopping mall or eating at a restaurant surrounded by people. We might be in church and when greeting time comes, we are the ones who approach others to welcome them to the service. We may feel that no one comes to us.

We may have friends who only go out with us when we do the asking or arranging. We may call or visit with some friends over social media, but only at our instigation. Even though we have friends, we still feel lonely.

Some people are truly alone, home-bound, without family, on the streets, or without friends. They may have no one reaching out to them. This is not God’s will especially not in the church body.

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. Hebrews 10-25

 “He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14

Those who withhold kindness from each other have many real reasons for their actions. They may be shy or extremely busy. They may spend most of their time with family or have other friends who are constantly asking for their time.

Those who leave the asking up to us also have their reasons but clearly this is not the way God would like us to behave. We are instructed to gather together and worship together. God’s will is that we encourage each other and bear one another’s burdens.

Everyone suffers from loneliness at some point. When we see someone else who may be lonely we have a responsibility to reach out, remembering what loneliness is like. 

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Matthew 14:23

Jesus, though God, was also man and understand loneliness. He spent time alone praying. Even though He was surrounded by His disciples and followers,  He had times of loneliness. He was the teacher and it He called them, not the other way around. His true relationship and friendship was with God the Father.

Loneliness begets loneliness. If no one is reaching out to us, we ask ourselves why we should bother to reach out to others. They must not be interested in our friendship anyway. As we become lonelier we may even neglect going to church or other meetings, assuming we won’t be missed. The accuser makes us feel unwanted and unloved which is a lie.

Whether we are alone in a crowd or truly alone, we can do something about it. First, we need to remember that we are not alone. Christ is with us always and will build us up and encourage us. 

God will lead us to others who may be feeling lonely so that we can comfort them and in doing so, bring comfort to ourselves.

Next, we need to reach out to those we consider our friends, even those who leave the inviting up to us and if appropriate, ask them why. We need to find out what they are feeling. We may be surprised at why they never do the asking. 

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Lonely or not, having friends takes being a friend. We can use time alone with Him to strengthen our relationship instead of feeling sorry for ourselves. 

Loneliness is not easy, and it is not fun, but it is usually temporary. Something positive can come

from it and sometimes it can be good for us.

Prayer: Lord when we feel lonely, help us to remember that you are there. You are with us through everything and are the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Help us to be good friends to others so they never feel the way we do when we are lonely. Amen