Biblical Fellowship

"...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us..." 1 John 1:3

Fellowship. Sadly, in many circles, fellowship has come to mean food. Who would think of having a fellowship time without homemade brownies and fresh fruit, coffee and tea? These are great times to get together and enjoy friendship and getting to know new people. When the church bulletin announces an evening of fellowship, let's be honest, we think food and fun. People gather and share life. Or do they?

Biblical fellowship does not preclude food; however, it includes something we don't often think about. "...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us..." 1 John 1:3 Genuine, meaningful biblical fellowship includes sharing life with one another in a below-the-surface way. It is proclaiming, retelling, testifying of the work of grace we have experienced in our life and/or that we have witnessed in the lives of others. Biblical fellowship forces us to pay attention and to be more aware of the evidences of God's grace that are all around us.

We are called into fellowship with one another. Some people become fast friends, while others are people we would not be naturally drawn to. Yet, by God's grace and because of His grace we have a great deal in common. When our focus is on Him and the evidences of His grace rather than the apple pie, we can enjoy sweet fellowship together.

Pay attention, and then share with others the evidences of grace you see in them and in you.

Diane