Two are better than one;…for if they fall, the one will lift up his
fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth…and a
threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecc. 4:9-12)

According to Ecclesiastes, being single has its disadvantages! As a rule – two people can accomplish more than one and people who are real friends share a bond that a single person just does not have.

Two or more people who have a bond can help each other in difficult times. They have a sense of community and responsibility for each other. We are told in Ecclesiastes that the bond can be like an entwined rope that has three cords. It is virtually impossible for anyone to pull apart strong ropes. Likewise, it is difficult for an outsider to break established relationships that people have formed. People need to be involved in close and unfailing relationships with others!

God did not design people to be alone. Even in marriage – the Bible does not prohibit people from being single – but often encourages a marital bond. The Genesis account is that it is not good for man be alone, but they are to seek out wives (Gen. 2:18, Prov. 18:22), enjoy their mates (Prov. 5:18-19), and increase family relationships (Psalms 127:3-5).

There are many people who are alone and just live for themselves. They work hard, never have time for any one, and store up finances without regard for others (Ecc. 4:8). They often become greedy and leave everything they have to no one. What a shame! People like this don’t understand deep friendships with others or just choose not to engage themselves in any meaningful relationships.

The body of Christ is a bond and God often brings lonely, rejected people into His body of believers to become a part of His family (Psalms 68:6). Friendships with brothers and sisters in the body of Christ can become unfailing because people can mature in the oneness relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the relationship we have with Christ and His church.

There are a lot of relationships that fail, but love is like a strong rope; it is unfailing!