Friday Fight 142: The Fulfillment of Fellowship

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF142.

What thoughts come to mind when considering the exchange of giving and receiving? It may be something that comes naturally or makes us completely uncomfortable. Some of us are more at ease giving than receiving, while others only know how to take; however, that's for God to address. So why is this concept or exchange essential, and how can it be applied to our spiritual lives?

The Fulfillment of Fellowship:

If you are raising an eyebrow wondering how giving and receiving applies to fellowship, please continue reading. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Fellowship is a perfect example of giving and receiving from Christ. He graciously gave His life, and in exchange, we welcome the fullness of His grace. We give our lives back to Him in our actions and words, and He receives the glory of our obedience and gratefulness.

Another perspective that may help is, in giving and receiving in fellowship, Christ descends from the heavenly places while we ascend from the depths of the sin we carry. Through our companionship with Him, we are washed clean for fellowship in this glorious interaction. Our communion with Christ becomes the foundation for fellowship with others.

Too busy or irritated to gather together? Pray about making time and forgiving others. Christian fellowship is far more than an assembly of smiling faces with bitter hearts or occasionally assisting others with babysitting or errands. Yes, these are greatly appreciated and kind, But unfortunately, being in the same room for ten minutes does not fulfill fellowship. This congregation with those we love includes time spent giving and receiving according to what Christ has shown us. This dedication of duration and intentionality of being together is a spiritual exchange that strengthens Christ's love in us.

When we stop making time for fellowship, we allow Satan to corrupt this beautiful exchange of giving and receiving, mainly using busyness. It is the first step to dismantling this deep component of spiritual growth. Christian fellowship can be characterized by extending forgiveness, grace, and mercy to others and being intentional about giving and receiving within our communities. Fellowship offers freedom. Remember, we are meeting because of Christ, for Christ. It is meant to include those of all ages. We should not feel burdened by children but embrace them in fellowship as well. Let’s keep in mind it is more noble to forgive than to want praise for tolerating someone's presence.

Last week, we mourned souls not celebrating Christ because they don't know Him. But, in our united prayers for the lost, we must still gather as children of God and focus on celebrating giving and receiving when we do. It could be coming together to talk, pray, or share a meal. It could also be Facetime coffee or phone conversations when proximity is a factor. Pray about including more time in fellowship and what it means to be fulfilled. Look to Christ for His unparalleled example and find joy in His presence and the presence of others.

Pastor Shannon

New Life Calvert