By: Deb Kitchenmaster
The layers and the dimensions of synergy are far reaching. Synergy refers to the interaction of two or more agents or forces that produces an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Some words that bring understanding to this amazing reality are words like union, unity, alliance, cooperation, harmony, concert, connect, and collaboration. Simply, it is a characteristic or manner of an interaction. It’s about mutual support, pulling together, hook-up, and communion.
The Greek word “synergos” appears in the New Testament to describe cooperation between God and humans in contexts such as spreading the Gospel, God working all things for good, and believers working together in faith. Working with God signifies where human effort is combined with God’s power.
A man by the name of Timothy is called a co-worker in God’s service in spreading the Gospel. God’s work in all things speaks of God working TOGETHER (synergy) for the good of those who love Him. Jesus speaks of a synergistic principle – “If two of you shall AGREE on earth as touching anything that they say; ‘ASK’, it will be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.”
Another example of synergy would be “interpersonal cooperation” among believers as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:1. Paul urges believers not to receive God’s grace in vain and to live as co-workers with Him, knowing that “when two or three come TOGETHER in my name, there am I with them.” Stephen Covey states, “Synergy is what happens when one plus one equals ten or a hundred or even a thousand! It’s the profound result when two or more respectful human beings determine to go beyond their preconceived ideas to meet a great challenge.” We were eye-witnesses to this very thing on Monday, October 13, 2025! Yes. The power of human beings in agreement with one another created a synergy that brought about a shift and reset for the betterment of humanity. “Synergy is better than my way or your way… It’s OUR way.”
Synergy means the combined effect of two or more elements – like divine grace and human effort or thought and soul — which is greater than the sum of their separate parts. These hook-ups, these connections lead us to spiritual growth and transformation.
Have you ever questioned how a human being on a horse with saddle, pad, and bridle can get ahead of a herd of wild horses and redirect them? What about a human being on a horse with saddle, pad, and bridle spotting a horse, in the midst of running wild horses, without a rider on its back, no saddle, no pad and no bridle — the rider on the horse gets close enough to the wild one to throw a rope around its head? You are eye-witnessing the synergy of horse and rider.
I called her Black Beauty. There were at least two or three trainers that gave up on her and labeled her “crazy” and “dangerous.” She was neither. She was misunderstood! This mare did not respond to the methods of these trainers because she was super sensitive and their ways did not work for her. Of course, she wasn’t worth your time because she was just a stupid, crazy, dangerous horse. This horse did require your time and your attention to get to know her. Once understood, once respected, once unified, this horse served special needs people beautifully!
Inspired by a true story, The Long Shot, with Julie Benz and Marsha Mason, depicts synergy using your DVD player. Through their UNION the rider becomes the horse’s eyes and the horse becomes the rider’s legs. This story reflects the value of boundaries, the freedom that comes from forgiving and the endurance that comes to your character, from not giving up. TOGETHER they are unstoppable.
The movie, Amazing Racer, starring Claire Forlani, Daryl Hannah, Louis Gossett Jr., Eric Roberts, and Julianne Michelle communicate how the synergy of grief, lies, and abandonment can be exchanged for the synergy of rescued, truth, and valued.
“Your most important work is always ahead of you, never behind you.” Stephen Covey
Your NEIGHbor,
Deb Kitchenmaster
