Beautiful Word Devotional #203

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

There is power in community, and there is weakness in isolation.

Yet we forget that when someone has hurt us deeply. When that happens, our tendency is to withdraw and lick our wounds. The last thing we want to do is to jump back into community.

But the author of Ecclesiastes clearly showed us one reason why life is best lived with others: good relationships protect us and strengthen us—especially when that third strand is the Lord himself.

Still, you may be reluctant to join in with others. You may prefer a more private life. But the truth is, when Jesus saved us, he placed us in his body of believers for good reason. One reason is this paradoxical truth: what wounds is what heals. If you’ve been wounded in community, the pathway to wholeness is healthy, godly community.

The choice is yours. Protection and strength await you in a community of fellow believers. Will you take a baby step toward one?

Lord, give me the courage I need to enter into a community of your people, amen.