Fellowship With The Saints Of Christ Jesus.
FOCAL VERSE
“If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?”
1 John 4:20 NLT
DEEP REFLECTION
From Everyday with Jesus, The consistency struggle to a personal relationship with Jesus, it is obvious we as believers do need each other. The subject “Fellowship” is many a time seen as one that begins and ends at the Church premises. However, it goes beyond that. Fellowship transcends the church premises. A clear picture of what fellowship entails can be seen at Acts 2:42-47, Romans 14:19 and Hebrews 10:25.
Now, Fellowship can simply be defined as an association of people who share a common interest, focus or value. Here, individuals sharpen, build and push each other to achieve the main course of the community they belong to. As Christians, our core mandate is to live, dominate and evangelise the product “Christ Jesus”. In order for us to attain the target just stated, we need to collectively come together and sharpen each other. The books of Acts points us to the fact that the early believers shared among themselves not only the word but properties, gatherings to eat etc. which in turn aided the spread of the gospel.
Likewise, We can fellowship with others over food, tours, digital mediums and soccer etc. It doesn’t solely have to be at the church all the time. In our romantic relationships, we often employ diversity so as to prevent boredom. Why not do same with our Christian walk?? There is nothing wrong with having a dignified form of fan. It is safe to say we have to employ new tactics to spend time together as children of God. It is time we strategically diversify our business to make our associations attractive. We have to learn to live among ourselves well and respectfully.
Lastly, the better we fellowship among ourselves, the better we will be United. Try calling a few colleagues outside church time, ask them about their day and give a pat on their backs. Show concern, enquire and ascertain why you no longer see faces you used to see at church or even your work place. Let us develop the attitude of being mindful about people within our community or location.
INTENTIONAL EXERCISE
Take time off your schedule to check on family relations, friends and work colleagues. Dare to be a honest and approachable person wherever you find yourself. Shun vulgar languages and exhibit traits of a child of God.
SOUL PRAYER
Dear God, help me be a better individual. Prune away every bit in me that pushes people away from me. Teach me how to care effectively for people within my community. Order my steps and lips in all my engagements. Open me up to effective communion with people, Amen.
READING PLAN
Sunday
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
John 17:21 NLT
Monday
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:42 NLT
Tuesday
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—”
Acts of the Apostles 2:46 NLT
Wednesday
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Ephesians 4:16 NLT
Thursday
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” Romans 14:19 NLT
Friday
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
This is a GROWcode_initiative in partnership with Jesus Christ.
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Much love.
Written by: Nana
Edited by: Beth_Hamm & Nana
