Knit part 2
We're all in this together. So we might as well try to be on the same side. The same page. And I'm not saying we need to be robots, or clones, and agree on every single thing. I'm saying we can major on the majors and minor on the minors. I'm saying we can celebrate each others' differences. We can BE different, and still have fellowship. Look at Ecclesiastes 4:12, "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." In the Message Bible it reads, "By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." Now listen, I can see the threefold cord being the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. That's an easy one. But I can also see how we're better together. Me by myself? Pretty ok most of the time. But me knit together with you? Now we're talking. And then adding a third cord... One friend is good. Can you round up a third? I think if you're standing back to back with someone... that's powerful. But many hands make light work, right? The more the merrier. The more cords in the rope, the stronger it is. And I want to say here: Quality is more important than quantity. One good--really good--friend is worth more than a whole grip of acquaintances. Someone you can trust. Depend on. Someone you are tied to. And not tied to by guilt, or obligation. But tied to by love. Someone you're willing to give your life for, and is willing to give their life for you. That's such a rare and a precious thing. Those are the people who you really want to knit yourself to. Love everybody. Yes. Absolutely. Give what you've got. Yes. Of course. See a need and meet it. That's what love is. But I'm talking about the people that you let into your inner circle. I'm talking about the people that choose to share yourself with. All of yourself. Because a relationship can't work... listen, I know they say marraige is supposed to be 50-50. But its not. It has to be 100-100. If you're going to do something, you need to do it heartily. From the heart. Because its in your heart to do it, and to the best of your ability. Go big or go home. I guess... I think what I'm trying to say is... with this idea of knitting ourselves together in love... you still need to use some wisdom. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." Or in the Message, "But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners."" You CAN pull people up. I believe that. But you have to be careful to not let yourself get pulled down. So give it all you've got. But let that either be enough... or not. You can't make people do things they don't want to do. And its not your job to do so. Just get in where you fit in. Find the people that you can connect with. Find your tribe. And bind yourself to them. Knit yourself together with love. That's the strongest bond there is. That's the bond that will last. The friendships, the connections, the relationships that will last!