Strength of Community

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, October 10, 2025

Today's Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:23-25

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV): "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Faith is not a solo journey; we fight stronger together. The early Church grew through fellowship, prayer, and mutual support (Acts 2:42-47). The enemy loves isolation because it weakens the believer. But in godly community, faith is sharpened, burdens are shared, and encouragement flows. This fact is strongly emphasized in both Ecclesiastes and Hebrews text before us today. Companionship and community is priced and placed over isolation in Ecclesiastes because of the practical and emotional benefits of partnership. People get a "good reward for their toil" working together than dicipating efforts.

In a community, we help each other up when during momments of fall. We provide and enjoy mutual support during trouble. We also provide warmth and defense against attack from common enemies. I remember when a community I lived in formed vigilanté groups and kept rotational vigils at night to ward off robers in our area. This explains the concept of "a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Hebrews strongly emphasizes the necessity of Christian perseverance and community in light of Christ's superior work. It exhorts believers to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering," relying on the fact that "He who promised is faithful."

Building on this foundation of God's faithfulness, Christians have mutual responsibilities: to "to stir up one another to love and good works," and to intentionally "not neglecting to meet together" for the purpose of "encouraging one another," especially as they see the return of Christ drawing near. Many battles were not meant to be fought alone. God places us in the Body of Christ for strength and support. Christian community is both shield and sword in faith’s good fight. God's design is to place us firmly within the Body of Christ—the Christian community—as our essential source of strength and support.

This divine placement offers both a sturdy shield against the relentless attacks of doubt, isolation, and the world's opposition, and a sharp sword that equips and encourages us to actively advance in faith's good fight. In this vital network of believers, we find the accountability to stay focused, the shared wisdom to navigate complex challenges, and the steadfast love that lifts us up when we stumble. The Christian community is a force far more resilient than the strength or effort an individual.

Action Steps: Stay accountable by connecting with other believers regularly. Encourage someone who has been missing from fellowship. Join or initiate a small group for prayer and study.

Quote for the Day: "A lone flame can be snuffed out quickly; but when flames build together, they ignite a lasting fire." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You with all my heart for placing me within the Body of Christ, the Church, a truth for which I am eternally grateful. I ask that You would actively teach me to walk in genuine, transparent fellowship with my brothers and sisters. Help me to always be a source of encouragement for all. Please allow me to be a strong, reliable source of prayer and practical strength, building up Your church and bringing glory to You, in the mighty name of Jesus.

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Thank you for being part of this journey to deeper faith. For additional readings on the themes of the strength of community read: Proverbs 27:17, Romans 12:4-5, Galatians 6:2.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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