We regularly have mediocre encounters with passersby, acquaintances, even familiar loved ones. Occasionally though, we experience profound, wholehearted, lifegiving interactions. What makes the difference?
It began long before our beginning.
Triune God had existed eternally in unity. The sweet fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit created humanity in His likeness, allowing human beings to converse and coexist with God in holiness.
Sin abruptly corrupted this communion. One rebellious act birthed a torrent of fleshly lusts and malicious passions that corrode creation. The only way to restore relationship with the Creator is to pay sin’s price—the sacrifice of a perfect man.
“Indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ … if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
– 1 John 1:3, 7
The church has since been equipped and commissioned. Acts tells us “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching … fellowship … breaking bread … and prayers” (2:42). Furthermore, “those who believed were of one heart and soul, and … they had everything in common” (4:32).
We share physical resources and possessions because we are recipients of spiritual ones.
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
– Ephesians 4:4-6
The image of a body describes our ministry to one another and others.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
We participate together (1 Corinthians 10:16), knit together in love (Colossians 2:2). We love (John 13:34), serve (Galatians 5:13), forgive (Ephesians 4:32), teach (Colossians 3:16), and encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We live in harmony with (Romans 12:16), honor (12:10), bear the burdens of (Galatians 6:2), offer hospitality to (1 Peter 4:9), confess our sins to (James 5:16), submit to (Ephesians 5:21), and pray for, one another (6:18).
Christ advocates oneness (John 17:21); the Spirit accomplishes it (1 John 3:24).
It delights God, and us, when we join in Spirit-inspired, God-ordained fellowship!
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
– Psalm 133:1
God’s Provision: He is there with us!
So,
“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.”
– Hebrews 10:24-25
Word of the Week: Benediction. Closing blessing.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
– 2 Corinthians 13:14
Abby
