Fellowship

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” - Acts 2:46

What exactly do we mean by “fellowship?”  One scholar explains, “Christian fellowship is not the sentimental and superficial attachment of a random collection of individuals, but the profoundly mutual relationship of those who remain in Christ, and therefore belong to each other.” In other words, fellowship is not an easy task!  It requires time and commitment.  And it cannot truly happen outside of Christ.

Today Christians around the world gather together for worship and fellowship.  Sunday is a day when people of every age, culture, nation, and race gather as brothers and sisters in Christ.

From the beginning, all who are redeemed in Christ have gathered to celebrate.  The first church gathered in people's homes for fellowship.  Acts 2:42 says that these believers were devoted "to the fellowship"--to each other.  They gathered joyfully and sincerely, filled with gladness.  There was laughter and song.  People came into the fellowship not out of a sense of obligation or fear but out of a desire to be with fellow believers.

These people were genuine.  They were open and honest about their lives and their hearts.  We read that they sold their possessions to help meet the needs of those who were hurting.  Not only were some people willing to give, but others were willing to receive.

Often pride prevents us from accepting the help of others.  We are afraid that others might think less of us if we need help.  Yet this should not be the case in the church.  True fellowship exists when people can be open and honest about their struggles and their needs.  God invites us to experience such fellowship ourselves in communities of faith where believers are deeply devoted to each other's welfare.

Jesus, we long for the day when our fellowship mirrors the perfect community You have with Your Father and the Spirit.  Help us build true fellowship within our churches.   Amen.