What is fellowship? Better yet how do we fellowship? Is it something we do or something we have?
Yes!
Both are correct. Fellowship is something that we have if we are practicing biblical Koinonia, the close association between persons emphasizing what is common between them. As believers we can have and should have a special bond that is emphasized by our common belief. Our faith in Christ allows us an instant bond with other believers in our class, church, workplace and world. We can connect on a spiritual level and begin to grow closer through other areas of our lives. We may share the same interests, hobbies, talents, etc. Think about the closest relationships you have. What brought you together? What has kept you together? The instant connection must be fed over time by sharing life and continuing to grow deeper. If we allow our relationships to stagnate we become disconnected and dissatisfied with the relationship.
Our fellowship with Christ is the same way. Some of us may not have the same excitement and vigor for our faith that we once did. Why not? Is it because Jesus became boring? Did He lose interest in us? Most definately not! We have lost our first love. Other relationships, activities, events began to slowly grab our attention. We tend to place God on a shelf where He is easily accessible but not in the way of the exciting things that we desire. Our fellowship has been broken because it is a two way street. We must seek after Christ the way he pursues us. I John 1:6 says, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie..." A pretty powerful statement.
Fellowship can be an event, we can have a good time fellowshipping with one another. The bible encourages fellowship for many good reasons. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says "Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their labor." Verse 12 says "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us "...spur one another along... do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together..." Fellowship is an important aspect of the Christian life. We are first called to have fellowship with Christ, that bond will allow us the avenue to have fellowship with others.
Our fellowship with one anther will allow us to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Remember, the huge redwood trees have very shallow roots but can grow to enormous sizes because they stand close together and bind their roots together to support each other. Christ is our bond and our fellow believers are the support and fellowship that God has blessed us with. So be purposeful in your relationships and stand tall with one another to fight the attacks of the enemy.
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