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. . . .

— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

When I was an intern at Roseland Christian Ministries, Phil Walker was one of the first people who befriended me. Recently home from prison, Phil was working at a church summer camp. I was the only white person working there, but Phil made me feel welcome. “This is my brother,” he’d say, with his big arm around me—and he meant it.

Phil would invite me to his grandmother Joellyn Walker’s apartment after church on Sundays, where we’d eat and watch football. When I arrived, Ms. Walker would say, “Oh, my other grandson is joining us today.”

After 25 years Phil and I remain brothers. He’s looked after my sons. I officiated at his grandmother’s funeral. We’ve both had our struggles. Ecclesiastes 4 says, “Two are better than one. . . . If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” That’s been true for both of us.

There’s the family you're born into, and the family you choose. I’m grateful that Phil chose me as his brother.

I hope you have had a brother, sister, or friend whom God has placed in your life to help you up when you’ve needed it. Thank God for them, and be sure to tell them and others you are grateful for them.

Father, thank you for the gift of friends who lift us up when we fall. Their love reflects your grace. Bless them for their kindness, and strengthen us to be there for others in their times of need. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.