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After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion. Feel free to comment.
Day 6: The Strength of Togetherness
Throughout this week, we’ve explored what it means to live in community as God intended. We’re called to carry each other’s burdens, unite in worship, live in humility, and gather together to encourage one another. None of these instructions are meant to be lived out in isolation.
Togetherness isn’t just about surviving life’s challenges—it’s about thriving in them. When we come alongside each other with compassion, humility, and love, we reflect God’s heart. When we work together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone. And when we gather in His name, God Himself is present, strengthening and guiding us.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one. These words hold a timeless truth. Life is full of challenges that no one can face alone. At some point, we all grow tired, stumble, or need help. But when we have someone by our side to lift us up when we fall or to share the burden we carry, the journey becomes lighter, and the victory becomes possible.
This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Moses during the battle against the Amalekites. When Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his hands so the Israelites could prevail.
It’s a simple yet powerful image of what we can accomplish when we support one another: strength found in togetherness, victory achieved through shared effort.
Ecclesiastes also speaks of a cord of three strands that is not quickly broken.
So what are the three strands? For our purpose today they reflect how even though two people can build each other up, it’s the third strand—God’s presence in the relationship—that makes it truly unbreakable. Yes – we can lift and nurture – but we need God to be present for there to be any hope of an enduring relationship.
A Modern Context
The phrase "a cord of three strands is not easily broken" is also used in marriage ceremonies in the context of faith, hope, and love. This suggests that these three virtues, when combined, create a powerful and enduring foundation for a Christian life.
That’s sweet – but it is missing something, is it not?
Christian relationships are unique. When God is at the center, all our connections become stronger. His grace, love, and wisdom sustain us, even through the hardest seasons.
Reflection on the Week
As we close out this week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together. We’ve explored what it means to carry one another’s burdens, celebrate unity and fellowship, practice humility and love, and encourage one another through gathering.
Each of these themes has shown us a different facet of God’s design for community and how relationships draw us closer to Him.
The strength of togetherness is not just about what we can accomplish but about who we become when we reflect God’s heart in our relationships. We are called to build each other up, to walk together in faith, and to anchor ourselves in God’s presence. Truly, we are better together.
I know this can feel a bit campy at times. Rah, rah ,rah, and all. But who will deny – we are all better together – even if we have differing opinions. That is a strength when managed through unity and humility!
As we move forward, let’s live out this truth. Think about this, who has God placed in your life to walk alongside you? And who is He calling you to support? Admit it - they are already present in your life – but maybe you have trouble getting along with them, or don’t understand where they are coming from or – a myriad of other reasons.
Relationships take effort, but they are worth it. Invest in them. Build them intentionally. And always invite God to be the third strand that strengthens and sustains them.
Remember – be humble like Jesus is humble!
The Saturday Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us that we are better together.
Thank You for the people You’ve placed in our lives to encourage, strengthen, and support us. Teach us to care for one another with compassion, humility, and love.
Help us to be like Aaron and Hur, lifting up those who are weary
And when we’re the ones who need help, give us the grace to receive it.
Lord, be the third strand in every connection, making us stronger than we could ever be on our own.
May our relationships reflect Your heart and point others to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Throughout this week, we’ve explored what it means to live in community as God intended. We’re called to carry each other’s burdens, unite in worship, live in humility, and gather together to encourage one another. None of these instructions are meant to be lived out in isolation.
Togetherness isn’t just about surviving life’s challenges—it’s about thriving in them. When we come alongside each other with compassion, humility, and love, we reflect God’s heart. When we work together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone. And when we gather in His name, God Himself is present, strengthening and guiding us.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one. These words hold a timeless truth. Life is full of challenges that no one can face alone. At some point, we all grow tired, stumble, or need help. But when we have someone by our side to lift us up when we fall or to share the burden we carry, the journey becomes lighter, and the victory becomes possible.
This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Moses during the battle against the Amalekites. When Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his hands so the Israelites could prevail.
It’s a simple yet powerful image of what we can accomplish when we support one another: strength found in togetherness, victory achieved through shared effort.
Ecclesiastes also speaks of a cord of three strands that is not quickly broken.
So what are the three strands? For our purpose today they reflect how even though two people can build each other up, it’s the third strand—God’s presence in the relationship—that makes it truly unbreakable. Yes – we can lift and nurture – but we need God to be present for there to be any hope of an enduring relationship.
A Modern Context
The phrase "a cord of three strands is not easily broken" is also used in marriage ceremonies in the context of faith, hope, and love. This suggests that these three virtues, when combined, create a powerful and enduring foundation for a Christian life.
That’s sweet – but it is missing something, is it not?
Christian relationships are unique. When God is at the center, all our connections become stronger. His grace, love, and wisdom sustain us, even through the hardest seasons.
Reflection on the Week
As we close out this week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together. We’ve explored what it means to carry one another’s burdens, celebrate unity and fellowship, practice humility and love, and encourage one another through gathering.
Each of these themes has shown us a different facet of God’s design for community and how relationships draw us closer to Him.
The strength of togetherness is not just about what we can accomplish but about who we become when we reflect God’s heart in our relationships. We are called to build each other up, to walk together in faith, and to anchor ourselves in God’s presence. Truly, we are better together.
I know this can feel a bit campy at times. Rah, rah ,rah, and all. But who will deny – we are all better together – even if we have differing opinions. That is a strength when managed through unity and humility!
As we move forward, let’s live out this truth. Think about this, who has God placed in your life to walk alongside you? And who is He calling you to support? Admit it - they are already present in your life – but maybe you have trouble getting along with them, or don’t understand where they are coming from or – a myriad of other reasons.
Relationships take effort, but they are worth it. Invest in them. Build them intentionally. And always invite God to be the third strand that strengthens and sustains them.
Remember – be humble like Jesus is humble!
The Saturday Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us that we are better together.
Thank You for the people You’ve placed in our lives to encourage, strengthen, and support us. Teach us to care for one another with compassion, humility, and love.
Help us to be like Aaron and Hur, lifting up those who are weary
And when we’re the ones who need help, give us the grace to receive it.
Lord, be the third strand in every connection, making us stronger than we could ever be on our own.
May our relationships reflect Your heart and point others to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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