Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Billy Graham said, “God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” Healthy relationships involve both parties giving and receiving. Only giving results in a person feeling used. Only receiving results in a person feeling useless. Poet Maya Angelou once said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Giving is a two-way street. Don’t forget to give and don’t be too proud or afraid to receive.
After God created man, He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). God designed people to support each other. In this way, He meets the needs of the people He created and loved. Mother Teresa said, “Holiness grows so fast where there is kindness. The world is lost for want of sweetness and kindness. Do not forget we need each other.” People won’t receive the gospel if it’s offered in judgment, anger, or manipulation. They are more likely to receive the gospel when it’s presented in kindness.
When Cornelius, a Gentile, prayed, God told him to send for Peter. Peter considered non-Jews unclean. Through a vision, God instructed Peter to go to Cornelius to preach the gospel. God often answers prayers through one of His people. When you reach out to others in kindness, you may be an answer to someone’s prayer. Likewise, when you pray, you might receive God’s answer through a person that you’d least expect. Pray for the ending of the great political division, which can be felt even in church and family. Pray that the citizens and leaders of this nation will learn to be a strength to each other.
Today’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
