We're Stronger Together Than Standing Alone
Daily Scripture
Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 18:24, 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Genesis 2
18 Then the LORD God said, “It’s not good that the human is alone. I will make him a helper that is perfect for him.”
Proverbs 18
24 There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.
Proverbs 27
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens a friend.
Ecclesiastes 4
7 Next, I saw under the sun something else that was pointless: 8 There are people who are utterly alone, with no companions, not even a child or a sibling. Yet they work hard without end, never satisfied with their wealth. So for whom am I working so hard and depriving myself of enjoyment? This too is pointless and a terrible obsession.
9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work. 10 If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don’t have a companion to help them up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone? 12 Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
From creation’s beginning, God said humans aren’t meant to live alone. The wisdom writers of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes expanded on this truth, showing how friends sharpen one another and how isolation—even with great wealth—creates a “terrible obsession.” The biblical vision is clear: God calls people together, not as isolated individuals, but as a community.
- The teacher of Ecclesiastes valued friendship’s warmth. “Two are better than one,” he wrote, because friends help each other up, keep each other warm, and create strength together. * He added that “a three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap”—suggesting three companions are even better than two. In what ways have you found strength in facing life with trusted, supportive friends, rather than all alone?
- While parts of your spiritual journey happen alone—just you and God—the Bible consistently calls God’s people a “family” (Deuteronomy 26:11, Romans 12:10). That’s why Resurrection offers many ways to build friendships that run deeper than social connections. ** Dr. David Hubbard noted that “prayer is often corporate”—other members of Christ’s body can deepen our experience of God’s presence. *** How have members of your faith family deepened your experience?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for keeping your promise not to leave me alone. Teach me how to claim you as my Companion and Comforter and join with others in your family to help each other on our spiritual journeys. Amen.
GPS Insights
Valerie Nagel
Valerie Nagel, who serves as a Connection and Care Pastor at Resurrection Leawood, wrote today's Insights. A Californian by birth, her Master of Divinity degree is from Duke Divinity School. She served in the Rio Texas Conference from 2011 in the Austin area and San Antonio. From congregational care and welcoming guests to leading in worship, Valerie loves the local church's ministry. She juggles ministry with being a mom to Caleb (born 2012) and Jacob (born 2015), friend, avid reader, lover of the outdoors, beginner in CrossFit, and foodie.
© 2026 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Brent A. Strawn, study notes on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, p. 1061 OT.
** Click here to learn more about Resurrection’s multiple ways to build friendships.
*** David A. Hubbard, The Book of James: Wisdom That Works. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1980, p. 127.
