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When my husband was a freshman in college he joined a Bible study through a ministry on campus. That group of young men stuck together all four years, and now, more than a decade later, are still dear friends. Once a year, these men (and us, their lucky wives!) pick a cabin or vacation home and travel from all over the country to spend a long weekend enjoying the nourishment of Christian fellowship.
We spend the days hiking, playing cards, and chasing the many children who have joined the growing families. Everyone takes turns preparing the meals. We spend the evenings breaking bread, sitting around outdoor fires or inside cabins catching up. The guys retell stories of the their rambunctious college days. We share about the ways the Lord is growing us, how we are enduring life’s challenges, and what we are hoping for in the future. It is always a time of deep nourishment and joy, and the communion we find through this fellowship is so dear.
The Example of Fellowship in the Early Church
The first-century church led the way in this shared-life experience: “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, NIV).
We know our bodies need physical nourishment through food and water. But our souls also need spiritual nourishment through the fellowship of believers. Fellowship simply means friendly relationship or companionship. Pivotal ways you experience the fellowship of Christian communion include gathering to share a meal, to carry one another’s burdens, and to worship the Lord. Not only does this shared life enrich your soul, it also brings glory and honor to God.
Whether you’re in a faith community you’ve been a part of for a long time, or you’re looking to build relationships in a new community, here are some ways to find the nourishment of fellowship.
Invite a Few New Friends to Break Bread with You
It might be a neighbor, someone you meet at church, or an acquaintance you’d like to get to know better. Whoever it is, invite a few people to share a meal with you. If you don’t feel comfortable inviting people to your home, suggest a restaurant in town. The goal is just to be together. Plan to fellowship with one another as you break bread and enjoy a delicious meal.
Lead the Way in Sharing Stories of God’s Faithfulness
Whenever you’re able to gather, be intentional about using your time to bless one another. Sharing stories about how God is at work in your life can be such an encouragement. Lead the way by asking questions and sharing vulnerably, inviting others to share themselves. Here are a few questions to guide your time of Christian fellowship:
- How have you seen God at work in your life lately?
- Can I tell you about an answered prayer in my life?
- Is there anything you’re praying and hoping for right now?
Experience the Nourishment of Christian Fellowship
Time spent with other believers will never be a waste. As you eat together and recount God’s faithfulness, you will experience the nourishment that comes from true fellowship. Your heart will be encouraged as your faith is stirred to know and trust the Lord a little more.
Listen now to a short segment of this Abide meditation based on Acts 2:42-44. Let God speak to your heart about what the nourishment of Christian fellowship can look like.
Let the writer of Hebrews’ words encourage you: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 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” (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV).
To help you dive deeper into the joys of Christian fellowship, download the Abide app. Our more than 1500 biblical meditations all exist to help you draw closer to God and His people. When you start a premium subscription, you will gain access to our entire library of content. Use this link for 25% off.
Gwen lives in Atlanta with her husband, Paul. She loves black coffee, a good novel, and is always looking for a new skill to try or adventure to take.
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