Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. 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

It is Valentine’s Day 2023!  The day when love and its benefit come into focus.  Much like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and many other days, we celebrate, one day per year is insufficient, but it is good to be reminded.  Valentine’s Day elicits attention from youthful puppy love to the mutual sharing in marriage love.  Also, we must never forget God’s love and our love for Him!

This passage could be applied to friends, but it is also very applicable to ROMANTIC LOVE relationships, especially marriage.  We’ve all heard the adage, “two can live 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.) 

I suspect that sometimes we fail to fully comprehend the value of that helper or mate God has given us in the loving marriage relationship?  Here the writer advises that ‘two are better than one’ and then offers reasons for that statement.  That which they produce from works to children has incredible benefits. 

He informs us that if one stumbles, the other provides comfort, encouragement, and assistance.  He also brings to light the incredible loneliness and danger for a person with 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.  I am missing my sweet Bonnie more than words can convey! 

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.  Considering the relationship of the Body of Christ to the Lord Jesus is essential, for it conveys the image of loyalty and fidelity.  We know our Lord’s great love for us and His incredible sacrifice, so both husband and wife should invest everything in developing and strengthening 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 spouses for granted, which 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 no 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; any marriage can deteriorate if we fail to invest ourselves in the other person.  LOVE is worth LOVING! An investment in Love pays incredible dividends!

May God be with you as you go through your day.