The Power of Fellowship

Tyler Thornton

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
”And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In the early days of the Christian Church, the Christians gathering together were committed to four core principles. Scripture says they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) These were not optional for the early Church, these were fundamental in how they lived out the call of Jesus in their lives. In a world where individualism and self-sufficiency are often exalted, it is vital for us as Christians to understand and embrace the significance of fellowship within our community. God designed us to thrive in connection with one another, to share our joys and burdens, and to encourage and support each other on our journeys of faith. Yet, when we get busy or when life throws things at us, fellowship can be the first thing to get scratched out. Why is that? I think it is because we think too lightly of fellowship and miss out on the deep meaning it holds. 

For those of you who are Lord of the RIngs fans, you know well the “Fellowship of the Ring” and its members, who assemble for the quest of destroying the Ring of Power. Side note: if you have not watched the Lord of the RIngs movies you need to do so right now! The Fellowship comes together for one common purpose, with a mission greater than any one person.  Fellowship as it is defined in Scripture is a contribution, participation, or sharing in a common mission or commitment. In all the movies there is arguably no greater moment that demonstrates the true meaning of the fellowship than when Samwise Gamgee tells Frodo, who is weighed down by the weight of carrying the Ring of Power, “Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you… but I can carry you!” What a beautiful picture of what it looks like to spur one another on and encourage each other!

Fellowship within the body of Christ provides a fertile ground for encouragement and edification. When we gather with fellow believers, we have the opportunity to share our testimonies, victories, and challenges. As we open our hearts and listen to one another, we offer support, guidance, and prayer. Through fellowship, we can experience the beauty of building each other up, and spurring one another on to love and good deeds.

Today, let us embrace the power of fellowship within our Christian community. May we actively engage in building one another up, encouraging each other in love, and rejoicing in our shared journey of faith. Let us remain committed to meeting together, and nurturing our relationships.