Made for Community

0:00A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4.12 Welcome to today's encouragement from our daily bread. Made for community was written by Alison Kita and read by Rochelle Trab. Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verses 8-12. There was a man all alone, he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. For whom am I toiling, he asked, and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment? This too is meaningless, a miserable business. 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.

1:03Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? The one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Made for community, written by Alison Kita. When my husband, Alan and I decided to move across the country to Philadelphia to further his education, I didn't have a job lined up, and we had no idea how we would afford student housing. On a Sunday, shortly before we were to leave, a church acquaintance introduced us to a former student of the university Alan was to attend, who knew of an affordable apartment. Then, before we left, a workmate gave me the name of a contact at a Christian ministry. God answered our prayers and gave us opportunities, including an apartment and a job through

2:03his people. Friends and family helped us move and ushered us on with prayer. The author of Ecclesiastes wrote about the benefits of not going through life alone. Two are better than one, the writer said. Two get more work done, can help each other through struggles, offer companionship, and ward against danger. He went on to say, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. A community has even greater benefits, more resources, more support. Alan and I benefited from the community we left behind, and God helped us build a new community to help us feel at home in the big city. If you feel alone, ask God to help you find a friend, a good church, or a place to serve in a community. Let's pray.

3:04Lord, thank you for the gift of community and the faithful people that you place in our lives to guide us, support us, and bless us. Help us to seek and nurture connections that reflect your love and to trust you to provide for our needs through the kindness of others. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray, amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. What communities are you a part of? How do you help each other? Amen. Amen.