I don’t think I can over-emphasize the importance of fellowship with other believers of like faith.  When we accepted Christ as our savior, we not only began a relationship with Him, but He put us into the church, the body of Christ, and linked us all with each other as a family.  The importance of being together is emphasized for us in Hebrews 10:25 which says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  It should be central to each believer to realize our need of each other.  Some of the obvious reasons we should fellowship with other Christians are found in verses like:

  • Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  Having allowed the Word of God dwell within us, we have the privilege and responsibility to teach and encourage others.  This does not have to necessarily be in a church setting, but in our day to day interaction with one another, we are exhorted to share God’s Word.
  • John 13:14, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”  The Lord’s example of washing His disciples’ feet instructs us to share with fellow believers words of the Lord that will help take away the pollution of this sinful world.  Words that offer encouragement and strength to help one another live in a world that hates us because it hates our savior. (John 15:18-19)
  • Acts 12:5, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”  What a precious time it is when believers come together to pray as one…and it is a powerful time!  The prayers of these dear saints were instrumental in the Lord preserving Peter’s life and allowing him to escape from prison.  Upon his escape, Peter went to join himself with other believers as we read in verses 11-12, “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
  • Proverbs 11:14, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.”  There is a certain safety found in joining together with fellow believers.  In that, there is found good counsel as we share the truth of God’s Word with each other.  When one continues to stand alone, he will often fail in his testimony because of the lack of good care and counsel of others.
  • Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”  As the Lord gathers us together to Himself, He promises to be with us.  There, He leads us by His presence, bringing us to a better understanding of His Word; He draws us to lift our hearts to Him in praise and worship; He works to help us realize and utilize our different gifts for Him. 

Here are only a few examples of the importance of fellowshipping with believers of like faith.  Of course, fellowship is not just being together to socialize and enjoy one another’s company.  True fellowship with one another is sharing the precious truths and principles of Christ.  Rejoicing and learning together about our blessed savior.  The word ‘fellowship’ in the Bible is also translated in different places as ‘to communicate’ (Hebrews 13:16), ‘communion’ (2 Corinthians 13:14), and ‘contribution’ (Romans 15:26).

Let’s end this small devotion by reading 1 John 1:3-4, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 

“’Mid scenes of confusion and creature-complaints,

How sweet to the soul is communion with saints!

To find at the banquet of mercy there’s room,

To feel in communion a foretaste of home.”  (CC)  (689.4)