November 14, 2004
More Than Socializing
Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love. —Romans 12:10
Bible In One Year: Lamentations 3-5; Hebrews 10:19-39
Church can be a great place to get caught up on the latest football games, golf scores, family news, health concerns, or just to visit with friends. A cup of coffee together, a warm handshake, a friendly pat on the back are all part of the social interaction we need as human beings.
All of this is good, but New Testament fellowship goes much deeper than merely socializing when we get together at church. It takes place when we consider how we can lift up, build up, and brighten up our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Bible clearly says that we are to "serve one another" (Galatians 5:13), forgive as we are forgiven (Ephesians 4:32), and "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). From the first century, believers have gathered in Jesus' name to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" and to exhort one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Christian fellowship takes place when we offer encouragement to our friends, pray for them, and confess our sins and weaknesses to one another. These are the elements that make fellowship genuine.
What about your church? Are you merely socializing? Or are you practicing true Christian fellowship? —Dave Egner
All others who believe,
And from that bond of faith and love
A mutual strength receive. —Hess
Christian fellowship builds us up and binds us together.