Fellowship means having a friendship with people who share similar interests. Christians share a love for God, Jesus and the Bible, so they have lots in common. Fellowship helps to form a strong relationship with others who want to serve the Lord.
Jesus taught in the book of John (15:12, NLT), “…Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” He spent time fellowshipping with those he loved, and who also loved God.
When we really get to know someone, like a best friend, we can understand them better. Is there someone at your church you’d like to know better? Sharing your love of the Bible is a great place to start! Begin your fellowship with someone new by asking them what their favorite scripture is and why, or which person in the Bible inspires them the most. A new friend is just a question away – through fellowship!
You will likely meet Christians who have been following Jesus longer than you have. This means there is more to learn! In your fellowship time, ask questions about the Bible from those with more knowledge. Pay attention to your teachers in Bible class, learning all you can. God has graciously given us so much to study – and discuss through fellowship – that we can never be bored!
In Hebrews, the Apostle Paul says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,…” (Hebrews 10:24, English Standard Version) Fellowship can motivate us to serve the Lord even more by getting involved in activities with others who inspire us. When we see their service, and how much joy it brings others, we want to join in!
Finally, life has many hard experiences. Christians we fellowship with can give us special comfort and encouragement through tough times because they are familiar with God’s love and His promises. Is someone you know grieving because a loved one has passed away? Give them a card with a reassuring scripture, such as: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4, NLT) Every person who has ever died will be brought back to life in God’s future kingdom, and you can share this Good News through your fellowship.
So, why is Christian fellowship important? We can be brought closer to others who share the same Christian values we do. Jesus’ actions and words teach us to spend time with and love each other as he did. We can learn more about God’s plan by fellowshipping with those who have been studying God’s word longer. We can become inspired to serve the Lord when we see the good examples of service by others around us. We can both give and receive comfort and encouragement through tough times. We can do many things together by strengthening the bonds of our Christian fellowship!