Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Friendship in two movements: share the joy, and share the tears.
KJV12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Paul’s fullest letter on grace, faith and life in the Spirit, written to the church in Rome.
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Where the friendship of David and Jonathan begins: a king’s son and a shepherd, their souls knit together.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
Before they said a word, Job’s friends sat with him on the ground for seven days. Sometimes being there is the help.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Honest, heartfelt advice from a friend is as welcome as perfume.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 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. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The Preacher praises companionship: two are better than one, they lift each other up, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Many couples see God as the third strand.