Read Ecclesiastes 4:12 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What risk does the person standing alone face?
2. What is the benefit of two people together?
3. What is described as even better, and why?
Reflect
Ongoing attacks are inevitable in life, and today’s verse hits at the heart of that. It’s believed that it’s referencing a thief’s attack. While many of us may not face a literal thief in our lives, we will all face spiritual attacks from the enemy of our souls. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (NLT). Intentional community is a critical part of that.
When the enemy tries to steal, kill, and destroy our purpose, intentional community speaks truth over us. When the enemy tries to attack through temptation, intentional community stands with us, helping us fight back. When the enemy threatens our defenses and makes us want to quit, intentional community helps us endure.
Trying to stand alone is dangerous, but with two or three others, we can be “more than conquerors through him who loves us” (Romans 8:37, NIV). Let’s not only accept others’ help, let’s step in alongside others who are under attack, helping them stand firm.
Respond
What small daily choices can you make to help someone else withstand attack? Write down at least two practical things you can do today, and follow through on one of them.