1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Why does the Bible encourage Christians to gather together with fellow believers? It is so we can take part in Christian fellowship.
When I think of fellowship, the first word that comes to mind is communication. Whether fellowship happens over a cup of coffee, while driving in the car, or gathered around a hospital bed, there is a unique comfort found when we talk to the Lord and to those that love him.
Christians are to stir one another up and encourage each other as we walk with God. When we have a brother or sister who is struggling, we are to pray for them, encourage them, and lift them up through our words and actions. When a fellow believer is walking down a destructive path, we are to gather around them and encourage them to look towards God and change their direction. We are to share both our blessings and our hardships with those in our spiritual family.
Christian fellowship encourages us to focus on the One who draws us together. As we gather together to talk about God, worship him, and seek his desires for us, we are lifted up and strengthened in our faith. When Christians share life experiences, words of encouragement, and the wisdom found in God’s Word, we are drawn closer together and drawn closer to the Lord.
Just as one stick is easy to break, a Christian set apart from fellow believers is easily discouraged and tempted to stray from the Lord. However, just as a bundle of sticks are harder to bend or break, Christians that are drawn together in fellowship and faith, find the encouragement and strength needed to keep pressing towards the goal that God has set before us.
Christian fellowship is essential as we walk through this life. It helps encourage us as we face our day-to-day hardships and struggles, and it allows us to be an encouragement to those who may be climbing spiritual mountains or crossing discouraging valleys.
In Hebrews 10:25 it says, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. God doesn’t call Christians to gather together and fellowship, just to add to our to-do list. He desires for us to gather together in fellowship, so that we may be encouraged and strengthened in our faith.
Make a habit of gathering together with fellow believers. Whether you gather at church, go for walk, or meet for coffee, take the time to fellowship with those that love the Lord. Gather together to be strengthened, to encourage others, and to grow in your love for the Lord!
