Fellowship: Relationships in the Church
In John 13:34-35, Jesus tells His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” As followers of Christ, His love should be displayed in our relationships with all people, especially those relationships within the church. The Bible teaches us that, as believers, we have a responsibility to each other. We are to hold each other accountable, encourage each other, and support one another. Galatians 6:1-2 says, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby ful ll the law of Christ.”
As a believer, fellowship is the cultivation of relationships with other believers. In Acts 2:46, Luke describes some of the church’s fellowship: “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple.” This verse shows us the unity among the early church believers. Godly fellowship can only exist within a uni ed church. As believers, we are to have the same goals and desires (Philippians 2:1-2). Continuing on in Acts 2:46, early believers spent time “breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.” The early believers genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, sharing in communion and also sharing everyday meals. We are told that the church was “praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:47). The early church was in fellowship with each other simply by praising God and serving Him as one. The passion they had for the Lord brought them together and fostered godly relationships. The writer of Hebrews tells the church in Hebrews 10:24-25, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” It is incredibly important for the church to meet together and love and encourage each other. The Lord brings us to a body of believers because it is impossible to sustain life outside of the body. Just as if a hand or foot was severed from the human body and could not function, so it is for the believer when disconnected from the body of Christ. As we stay connected to the body of Christ through worship and fellowship with other believers, we gain strength and grow in our walk with the Lord.
Discussion Points
Are you isolated from the church body? Within the church body?
Do you have growing relationships with people in the church?
In what ways will you seek to become more connected with fellow believers?