There are benefits when we get involve into fellowship. In the context of the local church, fellowship refers to gathering for a common purpose. For instance, a worship service can be called fellowship. Other examples would be a small group, ministry department meetings, and conferences. As the old saying goes “no man is an island.” Fellowship plays a great role to the spiritual maturity of every Christian.
There are two biblical passages that talk about the fellowship of the believers. The first passage is found in Acts 2:42-47. The author of the book of Acts showed how the early disciples and followers of Jesus have put importance to fellowship. Another passage is found in Hebrews 10:24-25.
In these two passages mentioned, what are the benefits of getting involved in fellowship?
1. To Learn and Unlearn
The early believers, as we read in the book of Acts, devoted themselves to the “Apostles’ teaching.” These are the compilation of the teachings of Jesus. These believers learned new truths. On the other hand, they need to unlearn many other things and teaching. For instance, about Old Testament law and the Roman beliefs and practices.
The disciples learned the importance of obeying the Commandments of Moses. However, they need to “unlearn” that because when they love God with all their hearts and loving others, they are already fulfilling the commandments of Moses.
A good example of how to learn and unlearn is a quote from an article from the HuffingtonPost, “The ability to rid yourself of old ideas that are no longer relevant in the new economy will be key as you plow into the future. For you, the individual, in the new economy, unlearning (and then learning something new) will keep you innovative, relevant and valuable to your company.”
As we get involve into fellowship, we can also learn basic biblical teachings and the foundations of how to become devoted followers of Christ.
2. To Love and to be Loved
Another benefit when a believer is involve into fellowship is to express love and to receive love. The relationship of the early believers was very healthy because of love. They shared their possessions with each other. No one was left out and every need must be met through a collective participation. What an expression of love!
This loving relationship resulted into the salvation of many. As clearly stated in verse 47, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who are being saved.”
A fellowship is an opportunity for all us to love others. In return, we can also experience the love from other believers.
Related: Lifestyle of the Committed Believers
3. To Live Stronger
A fellowship can be a place where you share sad and happy moments with each other. Believers can become stronger as they continue the habit of sharing. The goal is to become stronger and this is the reason why the author of Hebrews encouraged the believers “not to neglect meeting up together.” The strength that the Hebrews Christians needed during that time was psychological strength. It is because of their difficult situation.
There is a quote from essaywriters, to illustrate the benefit of sharing and fellowship, “Psychologists argue that it is impossible for one to live in isolation from other people. According to psychologist, when a person is emotionally suffering, he or she needs a person to shares his or her problems. On the other hand, people need one another to share their happy moments together. It is extremely sad for a person to have a happy moment in his or her life and not share the happiness with another person. Therefore, psychologists argue that it is impossible for a person to live alone in this world. He or she needs other people to share both happy and sad moments to have a healthy emotional life.”
For us to be able to endure difficult circumstances, we need to be strong psychologically and spiritually and we need the help of other believers in the context of fellowship.