Into The Breach – Practices Of A Christian Manنموونە

Day 7 — Build fraternity

Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

After offering the tragic example of a solitary individual, devoid of human relationships and self-consumed with work, the sage offers wise advice about the value of companionship. In contrast to the loner, the sage recommends partnership: “Two are better than one” (v. 9 NABRE). The Jewish Talmud offers similar wisdom: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.” 

The sage next offers four situations in which companionship proves preferable to solitary existence: work, rescue, warmth, and defense. First, partners work more effectively than individuals, thus obtaining better wages for their toil. Second, companionship creates a bond of solidarity against trouble, threat, and catastrophe (v. 10). If the loner gets in trouble, there is no friend to help. Third, the solitary individual remains cold in winter, while two or more in the hunter’s tent create warmth to stave off the cold (v. 11). And finally, when under attack, the individual may easily be overcome, but “two together can resist” (v. 12). 

All of these examples urge men to build fraternity. These situations from everyday relationships apply also to the necessity of companionship and male solidarity in Christian discipleship. The spiritual profit is greater when men build up one another and provide mutual encouragement along the way of discipleship. Conversations with friends can provide helpful counsel and comfort in time of trouble. The warmth of fraternal support can ease the pains of loneliness or loss. And when under the attack of temptations, a companion in the fight can help resist the lure of power, pleasure, and possessions. 

If two are good, then three are even better, because “a three-ply cord is not easily broken” (v. 12 NABRE). For Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 NABRE). When men gather in the name of Jesus for mutual support and growth in the faith, the bonds of brotherhood can establish them in truth, strengthen their hearts, and restore their lives. 

REFLECT: How can I form a three-ply cord of fraternity to strengthen my life in Christ? 

PRAY: O God, who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you gather your people as family, friends, and companions. Help me discover the bonds of brotherhood with men gathered in the name of Jesus.