Why are two are better than one? I can think of a whole lot of reasons why this is so. God Himself said, “It is not good for man to be alone” and went about solving the problem of isolation by creating a companion and “helpmeet” for him. I love that word because it describes beautifully what partnership is all about: connection, help, suitability and joining together. Partnership is working together for a common purpose.

The well-known scripture in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 brings insight into the benefits of partnership:

Good reward for their labour – united in partnership, the impact and productivity of our efforts increases exponentially in our favour to that of our individual potential. Partnership increases our capacity.

Support – in times of difficulty and challenge, a partnership shares the load and compensates for an area of lack. In facing tough situations, it is those closest to you who will help you through and lift you up when you are down. When you stand alone you are more likely to be overpowered.

Companionship and contribution – The comfort of a loving, caring relationship is truly one of life’s great blessings. The benefits of companionship are vast as each contributes to the other…

Strength in a common cause – Every partnership has three strands: you, those you are partnering with and the common interest that holds the relationship together. Partnership and purpose go hand-in-hand.

Have you considered the kinds of partnerships and connections you have in your life? It makes good sense to examine the purposes that tie your partnerships together and determine whether they are leading you toward fulfilment or failure.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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.

PRAYER: Father, show me which partnerships in my life are leading me on the path of blessing. Help me to grow in my capacity and resilience, to nurture my healthy life-connections and bring you honour in Jesus’ Name.