Community Really Helps

MORNING

Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Devotion

We’ve seen that the concept of community comes from the very nature of God. Because God lives and works in community, so do we. But the wisdom teacher of Ecclesiastes takes a different approach. He looks at life “under the sun.” The expression “under the sun” means without taking God into account. He concludes that even if there were no God, no purpose, and no future hope, aloneness would still be a terrible frustration and curse for people.

The teacher argues that everyone can see that there are huge benefits in doing things together. You work better. You help each other with problems. You support each other. You pass your blessings on. You defend yourself better. You can even keep each other warm (a big issue in cold Israelite winters without heaters). Even if there was no revelation from God, it’s obvious that “two are better than one” (4:9). Aloneness is a “miserable business” (4:8).

He’s right of course. We don’t need God to tell us that we are built to work together in relationships. The concept of community is part of the fabric of God’s world. Of course, there are some things that we have to do alone, but the more we work with others, the more healthy, supported, and effective we will be. As a disciple of Jesus, you need your community, and your community needs you.

Prayer

Thanks for the people You have put around me as I serve You. Thanks for my mentors and my friends and my church community. I am so glad that I don’t have to serve You alone. Please help me to build strong relationships that will last. May I be a good friend and a loving community member. May those close to me know that I care for them and have their backs.

Today’s Bible Focus

“Two are better than one.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.