In my mind “fellowship” is a church-word.
People in the church use it to describe the interaction with the community of Believers (church folk) who share common interests.
The Bible provides insight for what should happen in our community of ‘church folk’. Here is one.
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:15)
This scripture suggests that Believers (church folk) should create close-knit relationships that are designed to make each other better.
Truth is, the development of such relationships should produce an opportunity to share honestly and openly for the purpose of perfecting each other—that’s real fellowship.
Confession of trespasses (another word for sin), allows for acknowledgement of wrong doing, the request for prayer, and the reminder to seek forgiveness.
You see, the ability to which we can forgive each other is the key to real fellowship among the people we know and love.
Not only is forgiveness the key to fellowship among each other, it is also the key to maintain real fellowship with God.
God’s desire is to create a community of Believers who allow themselves permission to be vulnerable with people of a similar mindset for the purpose of uplifting, encouraging, and supporting each other.
It’s time out for the, “I got it all together” or “I’m up here and you down there” attitude. We must be in this together.
Real fellowship with each other, creates REAL FELLOWSHIP with God.
Challenge:
- Have meaningful conversations that allow you to share your shortcomings
- Confess your faults and ask others to pray for you
- Be accountable to them for areas that you need to ask for forgiveness
- Do exactly the same thing with God