Friends in Christ: The Importance of Fellowshipping with Other Christians
From the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become a member of the body of Christ, the church. With the fall of many churches within today’s society, it can be difficult to find a church that teaches God’s Word and does not try to adjust it to be more attractive to the world. For this reason, many Christians have stopped attending church all together.
While this in and of itself is not a sin, it is certainly not beneficial to one’s spiritual growth. Your Christian walk and relationship with Christ are personal, but that doesn’t mean you should sit at home with your bible, studying God’s Word all alone. Even the most introverted and insightful Christians need friends in Christ. The importance of fellowship is as evident today as it ever was.
What is Christian Fellowship?
Surely you have heard the word fellowship often; likely, when there is a new bible study forming or a church event taking place. All are invited to attend and fellowship. Food may be served and you’ll be amongst others…but you aren’t very social you say? Well, that is just fine! Fellowshipping and socializing are not the same. Fellowship is much deeper. In fact, it is biblical.
The early believers were committed in their fellowship. The Greek word, koinonia defines fellowship itself and all that it entails. Connecting with other Christians, being friendly and giving of one’s self.
When Christians come together to fellowship they glorify God, discuss and share real life struggles they are facing, give and do good for the church and the community together, pray for one another, comfort one another and ultimately strengthen one another.
Why Fellowship?
As a member of the body of Christ, you are important to its overall function. God has given each of his children gifts to be used to glorify his kingdom and yours are needed to benefit others just as others’ gifts will benefit you.
Fellowship is vital to the Christian lifestyle. Loving God and studying his Word are of the utmost importance, but you need to connect with other believers to stand firm in your faith and reach your full potential.
Through fellowship you will:
- Gain companionship from like minded individuals
- Hear testimonies and be inspired
- Share testimonies and inspire others
- Find opportunities to serve others (from helping a sister or brother make a move across town to offering someone a ride to services or lending a shoulder to cry on)
- Find support in your Christian lifestyle and be amongst others who strive to live Godly lives as well
- Speak freely and without fear of being judged
- Be held accountable for the choices you make and hear the truth in love
- Gain insight into biblical teachings (when you study God’s Word with others you may learn and see things in a new light, when seeing it from a perspective other than your own)
- Have fun while growing in your faith!
Finding Fellowship
Now that you know the importance of fellowshipping with other Christians, you should know where you can find it! A yearning for union with others who share your faith can be easily feed through attending church regularly and participating in related activities, such as male or female discipleship groups and bible studies.
Many churches have reoccurring activities available for members and nonmembers that target specific persons, like mothers, teens, husbands and wives. Find a group or activity that seems suitable for you and where you are and need to be spiritually.
While spending time with your new family of brothers and sisters in Christ is of great importance, your fellowshipping should ideally start right in your own home.
Show and share God’s love with those living in your household each day, because iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17) and you can help your spouse and children go out into the world as stronger followers of Christ.
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