The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines a fellowship as a "community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience" and "a company of equals or friends." As a verb, to fellowship simply means to spend time with that community or company.
God designed His Church to be a fellowship—not just a community, but a family of brothers and sisters who share God's ideals and beliefs (Ephesians 2:19-22 [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
See All...). Our Church brethren can help us improve ourselves—for "as iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
See All..., New Living Translation).
The importance of fellowship in our lives is part of the reason that the people of God are commanded to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together , as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25 [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
See All..., emphasis added). Every week, on God's Sabbath day, Christians gather together both to hear the Word of God taught and to strengthen each other through fellowship.
Our conversations with our spiritual brothers and sister and the encouragement we share is beneficial to us, can help others and is pleasing to God.
For more information about the Church of God, please read our booklet The Church Jesus Built .
Got a question? If you don't see your question here, ask our team of caring, dedicated ministers for a personal answer. (Please allow a week or so for an e-mail response.)
Nobody has commented yet. Be the first to kick off the discussion!