Brothers in Arms
Brothers in Arms: In life’s journey, it’s extremely valuable to have a loyal companion to walk alongside you. As King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, “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.” There is strength, support, and blessing when we stand together with true friends and partners. In Biblical times, the closest of friends and allies would formally establish a “covenant of brotherhood” with one another. We see this between David and Jonathan: “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). Their brotherly pact meant they were committed to stand by each other no matter what struggles came their way. In life, we too need similar loyal company to form our own band of brothers. But building true friendship and trustworthy partnership does not happen overnight. It takes time, shared experiences, and tests of loyalty. David’s mighty men for example, were warriors who had fought side by side with him. It says in 2 Samuel 23:8–39 they had followed him through thick and thin. By weathering hard times together, they forged unbreakable bonds. We all need that person or group of loyal friends who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us through adversity. And when we find them, we must also strive to be the type of loyal ally that we wish to have, extending generosity and support freely to others. In Proverbs it says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
The Power of Partnership: In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus instructing his disciples to go out two by two to minister. “And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits…They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.” — Mark 6:7–13. By going out in pairs, they could provide mutual support and encouragement to one another, united in reliance upon God. There is power when two join together with a shared vision and purpose. We also see the blessings of partnership in the beautiful relationship between Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth. After both losing their husbands, these two women formed a powerful bond of love and loyalty. Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law’s side, committing to go wherever Naomi went, even saying “Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.” (Ruth 1:16–17). God honored this remarkable partnership by ensuring Ruth a new husband and child — she became the great grandmother of King David! As this shows, when we link arms with trustworthy friends and partners, committing to be there for one another, the fruit can be tremendously impactful. Our strength, vision and capacity to bless others is expanded more than what we could achieve alone. In unity there is blessing and favor. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1.
Valuing Faithful Partnership: In life you will encounter rare gems — friends and partners who go the extra mile for you without the expectation of return. They stand by you in your worst moments, offer help without being asked, and remain faithful even when the road gets rocky. These true “brothers in arms” are precious indeed. When you are blessed to find such friends of spirit, you should recognize their value and in turn “not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16). It means appreciating them daily through our words and actions, celebrating their accomplishments, and being willing to give as they have given. Your loyal friends are among God’s greatest gifts to you. Nurture these relationships diligently, standing shoulder to shoulder with your brothers in arms until the end.
In Him,
Tim and Will