What does Christian fellowship look like? It isn’t simply limited to official “fellowship meetings.” When we live in community, we rub shoulders in many ways.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:1-4).
Fellowship is characterized by like-mindedness. What does that mean? Does it mean we have to agree on every little thing? No. It means we all have the same mindset of lowliness and humility. But we should agree as much as possible!
We must look out for one another, and we should not limit ourselves to our little tight circle of friends. We should draw the circle larger to include more and not keep drawing it tighter, exlcuding more and more until we have our little group of three. We should include the weak and the strong, the old and the young, the newcomer and the old-timer. We should have fellowship with them all.
Fellowship is characterized by warm affection and love for one another. How do we love one another?
Viewing your concerns as more important to me than my concerns.
Listening and being sympathetic.
Praying with and for one another.
Being ready to jump in and help.
Having a generous spirit and being open-handed, not afraid to give.
Working together, grieving together, rejoicing together.
Spending time together.Eating together, visiting around the table, enjoying being together.
This kind of fellowship is only possible as we walk together in Christ.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…these things I command you, that you love one another.”
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You Femina gals really have bitten off such a big chunk of work for yourselves with these daily devotional posts. I realize how much work it is for you and I thank you for doing them! I have been edified, encouraged, challenged so often by them. You are amazing.
I was wondering- do you have any recommended Bible story-bible type books for younger children? I am looking for one to help my youngers become more familiar with the “stories” but I tend to shy away from the baby-fied bibles or the ones that get the stories wrong. I wore our old one out with my olders and since have been reading the real Bible, but I know the youngers could benefit from additional story reading. I suppose I could get the one I had before again but I thought if you knew of a good one, I’d love to hear it. Thanks!
This was a convicting post! It’s so much more comfortable to have fellowship (show hospitality) with our closest friends and family. But, you’re absolutely right.