⁷But 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, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Quite frequently, when we discuss the topic of Fellowship we focus on getting together for an event, and often to have fun.  Of course, we know that Fellowship is much more than that.  It evolves from a common identity for believers manufactured by our savior.  As is evident from the passage above, Fellowship has less to do with “delight” than “the Light”.  Further, it is more about an ongoing journey (“if we walk”) than occasions – a journey that often involves common suffering instead of fun.

Please prayerfully reflect on the Bible verses above.

Something to think about:

Is the concept of walking together with other believers (i.e., doing life’s journey together) a sufficient feature of your life?

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (Hebrews 10:24)

We are now halfway through our 40 days journey.  I hope you have been able to consistently dedicate 15 minutes a day to spending quality time with God.  Today we turn our attention to the Discipline of Fellowship.

As we consider our identity, it is important to note that we cannot be our best without fellowship.  Simply put, God does not expect us to go it alone.  Further, we shouldn’t use our personality type (e.g., the classic, “I’m an introvert.”) as a reason to opt out of a clear Biblical directive for Believers.

Please prayerfully reflect on the Bible verses above.

Something to think about:

How much of a priority is Christian fellowship in your daily life?

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Thanks for sharing your practical ways to improve Christian fellowship yesterday.  We continue our focus on the Discipline of Fellowship.

Today Libby has a letter from Devon.  As a reminder, you will play the part of Libby and share your thoughts on the challenges people are facing.  Libby is not expected to be an expert.  Rather, Libby simply shares from personal and practical experiences.   So, please feel free to chime in even if you have questions yourself.  Also, even if you don’t have the time to share, think about how you have addressed the challenge in your life or how you would address it in the life of a loved one.

Please review the Bible passage above and Felicia challenge below.

Dear Libby,

I am convinced that God doesn’t want me to be a lone wolf Christian, so I need to interact with other Christians.  However,  I don’t want to settle for shallow relationships as a substitute for real fellowship.  I want to know what real Biblical fellowship feels like.

I learn a lot from the positive experiences of others.  Can you share any of your experiences where Christian fellowship had a material impact on your life?

Wanting the real deal,

Devon

Today’s Question:

What thoughts would you like to share with Devon?

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ 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. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

We have enjoyed two enlightening days focussing on the Discipline of Worship. What a blessing to see the passion for worship exhibited by those who posted comments.  We now switch to the Discipline of Fellowship.

Today Libby has a letter from Felicia.  As a reminder, you will play the part of Libby and share your thoughts on the challenges people are facing.  Libby is not expected to be an expert.  Rather, Libby simply shares from personal and practical experiences.   So, please feel free to chime in even if you have questions yourself.  Also, even if you don’t have the time to share, think about how you have addressed the challenge in your life or how you would address it in the life of a loved one.

Please review the Bible passage above and Felicia challenge below.

Dear Libby,

I am just going to come out and say it, “I’ve been faking fellowship.”  I attend church on Sundays, arrive just before the service starts (or a little late), and leave as soon as soon as church ends.  For years I passed this off as fellowship.  I participated in the 40 Days of Discipline journey last year and learned a lot more about fellowship but  I haven’t made much progress over the last year.

How do I improve in this area?  Do you have some practical suggestions based on your experience?

Coming clean,

Felicia

Today’s Question:

What thoughts would you like to share with Felicia?

“A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Nobody touches our hearts with His words like Jesus.  As we close out our review of Fellowship, let’s review what Jesus has to say on the topic.   In just a few words (captured above) Jesus gets to the heart of Fellowship.   He proclaimed this command to His disciples shortly before His death.   Please prayerfully read the passage and answer today’s questions.

Today’s questions for comments:

• Reflect on your experience of Christian interactions. What are some of the preconditions that we place on Jesus’ clear command to love one another?
• Think about Jesus’ interaction with his disciples. What acts of love stand out for you as promoting fellowship?

Tomorrow our Feature Friday Discipline will be the Discipline of Counsel.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

Sometimes fellowship might be treated like a second class citizen to Disciplines such as prayer, and worship.  Today we will focus on how important the Discipline of Fellowship is in advancing the kingdom of God.  The passage captured above provides some insights into the early church as captured in the book of Acts.  Please prayerfully read the passage and answer the questions below.

Today’s questions for comments:

• The practice of fellowship (along with some other Disciplines) produces some important outcomes. Which ones do you identify in the passage?
• Can you recall any other passages that point to the importance of Fellowship in advancing God’s kingdom?

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:10-16)

Yesterday we considered the foundation of Fellowship.  Today we will explore what fellowship might look like.   The Romans 12 passage above paints a picture of what fellowship can look like.  Please prayerfully read the passage and answer the questions below.

Today’s Questions for comments:

•  Is the description of fellowship in the passage reflective of Christian fellowship as you experience it?
• What are some things we can do to encourage more of this kind of fellowship in our churches?