Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”  KJV

Here we are Valentine’s Day 2019 and the subject of love and its benefit comes into focus.  Much like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or the many other days we celebrate, one day per year is certainly insufficient but it is good to be reminded.  Valentine’s Day elicits attention from youthful puppy love to the mutual sharing in marriage love.  Not to be left out we must never forget God’s love and our love for Him.

I know that this passage could rightly be applied to ‘friends’ but it is also very applicable for LOVE relationships and especially marriage.  We’ve all heard the old adage, “two can leave as cheaply as one” and the power of working in tandem with “a three-fold cord is not easily broken.”  Do not think I am suggesting a love triangle for I believe strongly in monogamy.  However, do we consider the value of that ‘helper’ or ‘mate’ God has given us in the loving relationship of marriage?

Here the writer advises that ‘two are better than one’ then gives reasons for that statement.  That which they produce from works to children has incredible benefit.  Still, further, he informs us that if one stumble the other provides comfort, encouragement, and assistance.  He also calls to light the incredible loneliness and danger for that person who has no one.  While I do not want to make anyone’s pain more severe because they are alone for whatever reason we know that having a friend or spouse is a God-given treasure.  If you are alone I pray that God will bring that special person into your life and allow you to enjoy the treasures of a loving marriage.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:25 that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her.  Likewise in the preceding verses, we learn of the wife’s commitment to her husband.  The inserting of the relationship of the Body of Christ to the Lord Jesus is important for it conveys the image of commitment and fidelity.  We know the great love our Lord has for us and His incredible sacrifice so both husband and wife should invest everything in the development and strengthening of their marriage. The result of the two who have become one is described in the verses in our text. The reward is great!

It is easy to become so accustomed to one another that we take our spouse for granted and that is always negative.  Marriage is not 50-50 it is 100-100 and on this day it is wonderful to invest the effort to rekindle the spark that you knew in the beginning.  Someone told me once, ‘giving flowers is a waste of time and money.’  I have never agreed with that and although flowers are not something one would want to eat and will wither in time they convey the message, “I care, I love you and you are worth this.” 

When we think of our love for each other in marriage or courtship we should be reminded of the greatness and beauty of God’s love for us.  Marriages made in heaven do not live in hell and any marriage can deteriorate if we fail to invest ourselves in the other person.  LOVE is worth LOVING.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to everyone.  May God be with you as you go through your day.