Blessings of Companionship and Fellowship

- Two are better than one. Association is better than isolation. Some benefits of companionship include productivity (good reward from mutual effort), assistance, comfort (verse 11), defense/ protection in danger (verse 12). Two people working together can get more done and can encourage each other along. When two people walk together, one can pick the other up if he/she falls (both literally and figuratively). Jesus sent His disciples out two by two. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (which is the law of love)." (Galatians 6:2)

- The Body of Christ is God's idea. We're created to be in community...to work together for God's glory and for His kingdom. "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone.'" (Genesis 2:18a) If it was not good in a perfect world (before sin entered), it is much worse in a fallen world. God advocates companionship and fellowship. God is pro-community as clearly demonstrated in the relationship and roles of the Trinity. God wants us to be dependent on Him and interdependent upon one another. There are lots of "one another" commands in the New Testament. We are a family in Christ. We should love and care about one another and pray for one another. Solitariness promotes selfishness. Cooperation helps us become more effective in our lives and ministries. Friendship is valuable. We (even the introverts) need one another. We can help one another in times of need. Absence of companionship and friendship result in loneliness. We become stronger and better when we live in community with others. Let's do life together and be committed team players! And reach out to people in your community with Christ's love and His Gospel of God's grace.

"Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow." (~Swedish Proverb)

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (~African proverb)