Articles
What Is Fellowship, Part 1
What is fellowship? You may have heard this word during announcements, or even
during a class or lesson from the pulpit. Our idea of fellowship probably includes spending time
together, maybe even friendship. I truly hope we enjoy spending time with each other and doing
things together. We often associate the word fellowship with eating a meal together. However,
there is so much more to this word than just spending time eating together, otherwise we would
be fellowshipping with strangers every time we go out to eat. Fellowship is a noun and is defined
as a friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests. It can also be defined
as a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest or aim.
The Bible teaches that we are to fellowship with one another. One part of that fellowship
is that we are to love each other. Part of growing in love is getting to know each other and
building friendships with each other, and that takes time. A recent study at the University of
Kansas found that it takes about 50 hours of socialization to go from acquaintance to casual
friend. An additional 40 hours is needed to become “real” friends, and a total of 200 hours to
become a “close” friend. Relationships take time, effort, and real work in order to succeed and
thrive.
Our love for each other is something that has to grow. Jesus expects us to love, and He
can help us understand what real love is. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that
you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Our fellowship and
love for each other is a key component that helps us remain faithful and will make us successful
in reaching the lost. Next week we will continue to look at true biblical fellowship. ~ Brad
Tolbert
