9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 CSB)
I live two parts of my life in cultures where the term “brother” takes on a deeper meaning. I never had an actual brother, but have often watched the strife brought on by sibling relationships. Additionally, in one of the cultures I mentioned above I have seen the word grossly abused.
Thus, in that one part of my life where it bears greater meaning my relationships tend to be deep and lasting.
However, much of this depends upon me. Just like in the rest of my life I must make a conscious choice to lift those around me up. While I have a deeper reason in one part of my life to lift my brother up, I feel just as compelled to lift others around me up each day. Even when that lifting is not reciprocated. This is a choice we must make with every interaction, to edify or not.
What I have found is that by working that little bit harder to lift others up, even when it is not reciprocated, I am lifted up.
What do you think the world would look like if everyone who called Christ Lord did this!?
