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A Threefold Cord Friendship

Friendship Loyalty Fellowship

Contributed By: Mitchell Dillon | Date Posted: 2014-03-14

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9

Author: Mitchell Dillon
4

ILLUSTRATION

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Solomon gives us three unifying cords that build a friendship that can not be broken:

Two are better than one, because they have a good more satisfying reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie down together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

APPLICATION

1. Cord # 1 Is to be this kind of friend. We can't expect to have a loyal friendship if we are not committed to being a loyal friend to others.

2. Cord # 2 Is to seek this kind of friendship through an active social life. This involves a social investment on our part. As Solomon suggests, "woe to him who is alone." Friendship involves an investment of time.

3. Cord # 3 is the presence of Christ. Mysteriously, Solomon concludes that two dedicated friends become a "threefold cord," which is not "quickly broken." How do two become three? This happens when they are both dedicated believers who bring the strength of the Lord to their friendship.

(Dr. Mitchell Dillon, founder of Illustration Exchange)

Don't You Dare Open That Door

Relationships Loyalty Love (Human)

Source: Military-History.org

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2013-09-16

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8

Author: Illustration Exchange
9

ILLUSTRATION

"It is common knowledge" reports Military-History.org, "that infamous Russian dictator Joseph Stalin prohibited his guards from entering his private bed chambers on pain of death." 

One day, in a test of their resilience, Stalin decided to scream as if in great agony.  When his loyal guards came to their master’s aid, they were duly executed for failing to follow orders.

When Stalin did actually endure a paralyzing seizure, whilst alone in his bedroom, none of his guards dared to come to his aid, on the fear of very tangible reprisals. He was later found semi-conscious by Peter Lozgachev, Deputy Commandant of Kuntsevo, on the floor of the room. He died within a week.

APPLICATION

When we hold people at arms distance, we shouldn't be surprised when they don't draw close, even when we really need them to.

We can't expect loyalty from others short of pursuing open and honest relationship with them.

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude" (1 Peter 3:8).

People Aren't Baseballs

God's Image Rejection Loyalty

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2012-06-04

Scripture: Romans 12:10

Author: Illustration Exchange
11

ILLUSTRATION

The average life span of a Major League baseball is only 7 pitches.  In tennis, balls are changed out after every 7 games. The reasons are similar for both. Dirt, moisture, the oil from the players’ hands all serve to effect the way the balls handle and perform. Seems some things in life lose their usefulness pretty quickly. 

APPLICATION

Sadly, the same can be said for people. As soon as they fail to perform to our specs we quickly toss them aside. Don’t treat the people in your life like a baseball, discarding them after just 7 pitches.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

The Best Best Friend

Friendship Loyalty Love (Divine)

Contributed By: Mitchell Dillon | Date Posted: 2011-12-28

Author: Mitchell Dillon
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The Measure of Your Loyalty

Loyalty Turn The Other Cheek Love (Divine)

Contributed By: Mitchell Dillon | Date Posted: 2011-12-28

Scripture: Matthew 5:43

Author: Mitchell Dillon
4

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Fasting - It's All the Rage

Fasting Faithfulness Spiritual Health

Contributed By: Marcelle Smith | Date Posted: 2024-02-18

Scripture: Joel 2:12 ; Ezra 8:23

Author: Marcelle Smith
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Eyes on the Back of God's Head

God's Omniscience Obedience Accountability

Contributed By: Georges Hasbany | Date Posted: 2024-02-06

Scripture: Proverbs 15:3 ; Psalms 139:7

Author: Georges Hasbany
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The Gift of the Moleskin Pants

Christmas Friendship Grace

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2024-01-03

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8 ; 2 Corinthians 9:15

Author: Illustration Exchange
14

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Reflecting the Light - It All Comes Down to Proximity

Light Witness Devotion

Contributed By: Marcelle Smith | Date Posted: 2023-12-19

Scripture: John 1:8 ; Matthew 5:14

Author: Marcelle Smith
0

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Even Small Acts Of Honesty Can Be Huge

Honesty Obedience Children's Lesson

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2023-11-19

Scripture: Luke 16:10 ; Matthew 25:23

Author: Illustration Exchange
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