THE POSITIVE CONTAGIONS OF FELLOWSHIP
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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 NIV
Community is a word often spoken among believers, yet we seldom pause to reflect on what it truly means.
The call to gather together goes beyond mere physical presence; it is a purposeful, spiritual assembling of God’s people. In such gatherings, the Spirit is free to minister through His vessels by the simple reality of our united confession.
We see this illustrated in Acts 20:9. In the midst of Paul’s teaching, a young man fell from a window, and after Paul ministered to him and he was restored, the teaching simply continued. The author does not dwell on the miracle, but rather presents it as part of the normal life of God’s gathered people (cf. Matthew 15:26).
Child of God, in all your dealings, do not withdraw yourself from the fellowship of the saints. You may leave a church, but be sure it is on solid ground, and pray for the Spirit’s leading into a community aligned with sound doctrine and teaching. Do not allow offense or rebellion to drive you into isolation, for the enemy knows that a disconnected believer stands in a place of vulnerability.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for the gift of fellowship and the blessing of belonging to the body of Christ. Keep me from isolation and help me remain faithful where I am planted. As your Word is faithfully taught, help me to be an encourager in the gathering of believers, and let my presence strengthen others as theirs strengthens me. Guard my heart from offense, and lead me always into communities that honor Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Acts 2:42
• Colossians 3:16
• 1 John 1:7
