Better Together

One can help the other up. Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verse 10. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Our reading titled Better Together was written by Patricia Rabin and read by Joyce Dinkins.

Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verses 9 through 12. Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also if two lie down together they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Better Together written by Patricia Rabin. Maggie's ten years of drug use kept her in and out of jail. Without a life change she'd soon return. Then she met Hans, a former addict who almost lost his hand when a vein ruptured due to his substance abuse.

That was the first time I cried out to God, Hans said. God's answer prepared him to be a peer specialist for an organization that coordinates recovery for jailed addicts. Called Stone Soup, the program is helping an American jail provide formerly imprisoned people with support to re-enter their communities.

Through the plan, Maggie moved into a sober living house and has stayed sober. Hans now helps her and others with job placement, educational options, treatment, and family resources. A coordinated approach. The Bible describes the strength of wise partnering in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

However, pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Like the Stone Soup folktale where a hungry traveler invites townspeople to each share one ingredient to make a delicious soup for all, the Bible confirms we're stronger and better together. God's plan is for us to live in community, helping others and receiving help in return.

That's no fairy tale. It's truth for life. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for the strength and wisdom found in community. Help us to support one another, lifting each other up in times of need as we work together to fulfill your plan for our lives. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. How can pooling our resources help us serve people better? What can you give to make a Stone Soup for your community?