What Does The Bible Say About Fellowship?
Fellowship is a privilege from God for us Christians to enjoy. This wonderful word comes from the Greek word, koinonia, which means “to share in common.” 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin” (NLT). Christian fellowship is about becoming one in worshipping God and loving Christ. Believers of Christ are encouraged to do fellowship throughout their lives. Becoming a Christian means you are assimilating yourself into the body of believers, which God calls His children. And for us to appreciate and have a better understanding of Christian fellowship, it is essential that we read the Word of God.
Fellowship, according to the Bible, means a partnership with fellow believers for the mutual benefit of those who are involved. Indeed, among Christian believers, it provides countless mutual benefits that are not obtained outside the faith. Those who believe in Christ are united in the Spirit with God, and this unity is the basis of Christian fellowship. Jesus described this unity in John 17:23, “I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me” (NLT). Christians can experience a complete and perfect unity in Christ, and this unity will be heard and known throughout the world.
One in Christ
Christians have this awesome “oneness” because of Christ. This unique relationship is priceless. It is true that we can build friendships and relationships with nonbelievers. However, Christian fellowship can only occur within the flock of Jesus Christ. Christians are united in purpose, goals, and beliefs, and we worship the same God, Who is Jesus Christ. Christian fellowship is a relationship that is not of this world. The joy and peace that it brings cannot be shaken by the world or the enemy. For this reason, we should thank God every day of our lives that He has given us the ability to be able to have fellowship with other believers.
One of the best things about Christian fellowship is that it reinforces believers in putting their focus on Jesus Christ. They have one desire, and that is to glorify Jesus Christ. Christian fellowship also helps in building up the character of every believer. Words of encouragement abound in this kind of relationship, and no one is left behind. Christians are able to provide encouragement and are at the same time able to receive encouragement from one another. Because of this, whatever hardship or difficulty a member of the church is experiencing, he or she is strengthened by fellow believers. Because the Holy Spirit resides in each member of the Body of Christ, drawing strength and courage from one another is a lot easier.
Besides giving and receiving words of encouragement, Christian fellowship is also useful in sharpening one another’s faith. It is said in Proverbs 27:17 that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Because of the fellowship we have, we are able to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.). And all of these are for God’s glory! Always remember that we can only have a genuine and proper relationship with Christ if we have a proper relationship with our fellow Christians.
Christ and the Church
Christian fellowship is also evidence that we are walking in the light (1 John 1:7). This statement of truth can also be found in 1 John 2:10, which states, “Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.” We can then say that there is this strong and inseparable relationship between Christian fellowship and loving our brothers and sisters. Christians can also agree that fellowship is intended to be the practice of loving our brothers and sisters. How glorious it is to think that the love of Christ for us is being projected to our brothers and sisters and that their love for us is a reflection of Christ’s love. It’s like we are mirroring the love of Christ with one another, and such an image calls for rejoicing. Fellowship is truly a gift from above, so let us rejoice whenever we gather in the name of our savior Jesus Christ. Let us get involved with Christian fellowship every day and continue to provide love and joy to our brothers and sisters, just as Christ provided us with these things.
