The Power of Christian Fellowship

Imagine a life where no one ever tells you that you’re wrong. It seems evident that a life devoid of criticism would lead to repeating the same mistakes without learning from them. While it’s crucial to accept constructive feedback, taking every piece of advice without discernment can be equally misguided. How, then, do we ensure that the advice we heed is truly beneficial?

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” A lifestyle of being unequally yoked with unbelievers is one in which we primarily spend time with, confide in, and rely on those who don’t follow Christ rather than those who do. While this verse applies to marriage, it can also apply to other close relationships, such as strong friendships. Ultimately, we can be friends with unbelievers, but this teaching lets us know that our primary focus in the connections we put time towards should be on connections with fellow Christians. By comparing righteousness to lawlessness and light to darkness, Paul brings up an important point found throughout Scripture, that being that the ways of the world are directly opposed to the way God desires us to live. Unbelievers can undoubtedly offer constructive advice, but we ought to not let their worldviews shape ours. God has given us our source of wisdom and guidance in The Bible, and through surrounding ourselves with others who also rely on God’s Word to guide their lives, we can grow stronger in our faith and be less likely to stumble. As stated in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Reflect on the earlier scenario where no one corrects your wrongs. While non-Christians do challenge each other’s wrongdoings, there is a distinct difference between a worldly and a Christian approach to correction. In today’s culture, it’s often seen as kind to avoid confronting wrongs, aiming to prevent hurt feelings. Yet, by allowing wrongdoings to go unchecked, individuals may experience greater harm in the long run. Offering correction in love guides others onto a better path, echoing the wisdom of Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

Fellowship extends beyond sharing advice. Scripture points towards sacrificial love and service as essential aspects of Christian community. Acts 2:44-45 illustrates this beautifully: “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Early Christians prioritized helping one another, transcending material concerns. By immersing ourselves in a community filled with those who walk by the Spirit, we orient our lives towards what truly matters—spiritual growth and unity over worldly distractions.

In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus emphasizes the significance of unity among believers: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:22-23). Here, Jesus underscores the importance of unity, which serves as a testament to God’s love and His mission. As members of the Body of Christ, our diverse roles come together to form a unified whole (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). Our unity not only strengthens us but also demonstrates God’s love to the world, as indicated in 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”

Clearly, fellowship is vital for a thriving spiritual life. Opportunities for deep, enriching fellowship are all around us, waiting to be embraced. While starting new initiatives might seem daunting, when undertaken with guidance from God’s Word, the rewards are immense. Reflect on whether the quality and frequency of fellowship in your life meet your spiritual needs. If not, consider making changes to enhance this aspect of your life, benefiting yourself, fellow believers, and those who have yet to believe. Above all, let these changes honor God.