Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NKJV)
This scripture is applicable to any covenant friendship but especially pertinent to a husband and wife team. The dictionary simply defines cooperation as working together and secondly as compliance. As we look around our world today, the old cliché that said, “something is easier said than done” comes to mind. Maybe you have experienced the difficulty of simply trying to work together with your spouse. The synonyms listed with the definition were assistance, help, support, teamwork, aid, and mutual aid. All of these actions should be our goals and practiced conduct as husband and wife.
The scripture above promises us that two are better than one, and their efforts lead to good rewards. The idea presented poses that if one falls, the one can help the other up again. The encouragement is that in two working together, there will always be the partner to assist. This requires the two to agree on what their relationship paradigm is to consist of. The team can choose to compete and sabotage each other’s progress, peace, and success or rather, negotiate on a path of compliance and cooperation.
It is much easier for two to lie together and accomplish the generation of warmth than to go it alone. In our marriage covenants, we have promised to aid and abet our spouses in the pursuit of life’s many pleasures and challenges. Mutual aid and support is the only way to succeed in being a God-centered, healthy, productive couple. Let encouragement be one of your main tools of support for one another. Learn where each other’s strengths and weaknesses lie and provide encouragement when and where best needed and appreciated. The verse goes on to state that although one can be overpowered by attacking forces, two working together can withstand and become victorious.
Today in your marriage relationship, allow God to be the third strand of the not easily broken cord of your life and relationship. Dare to believe that God did not bring you and your mate together to compete with one another, but to complete one another. God, with our cooperation, wants to assure your team effort will be a success that brings glory to Him and provide fulfilled joy to your heart. Let God be the mediator of your discussions for agreement and planned strategy for marriage and life.
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