THE POWER OF FELLOWSHIP

When as Christians, we speak often to one another and engage in godly conversations, it encourages us to fear the Lord more and more. That's what fellowship is all about. It is the Greek word, Koinonia. It denotes the Christian fellowship as the body of Christ. It is any place or environment where intimate spiritual interaction and communion is hosted. It is sharing in a godly interest and commitment and participating in a spiritual knowledge with each other and with the Lord.

Reference: Malachi 3:16 Amplified Bible (AMP) "Then those who feared the LORD [with awe-filled reverence] spoke to one another; and the LORD paid attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who fear the LORD [with an attitude of reverence and respect] and who esteem His name."

When those that fear the Lord come together to speak to one another or to strengthen themselves in their faith, fellowship happens and the Lord is always there to pay attention to such discussion. This is because its all about Him. He delights in such thoughts and He uses the opportunity to bless us. No wonder the Scripture says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper "(Psalm 1:1-3 KJV).

Just as the wicked gather together to participate in their common interests, so are those who come together in Christ. What do we often share in fellowship? We share in the fullness of God's grace; we partake of the work of His Spirit upon our lives; we meditate on the truths of the Word and of its gracious influence in our lives, and we comfort, strengthen, and edify one another. We speak to one another with words, full of reverence to God, and as we do so, it deepens our trust in God and love for Him.

Every born again Christian fellowship is designed to communicate the things of the Spirit more frequently, because the Spirit of God dwells in us. This means that the subject of our conversation with each other must be about God. As the Spirit leads, it is about what we believe is right concerning God's goodness and mercy, sharing in His wisdom and partaking in His holiness. The Bible says, 'Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak' (2 Corinthians 4:13 ESV).

Fellowship is a gathering of those who have the same spirit of faith and it does not matter how many Christians are gathered to share God's knowledge. The Bible says in Matthew 18:20 (NIV), "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." In other words, God picks the signal about discussions done in His Name, regardless of the number of persons in the gathering. Sometimes it could even be words of encouragement and admonition shared between two Christians on the phone. The glorious thing about fellowship is that God keeps before Him, a book of remembrance written about our conversations. This book has our names recorded in it and it represents God's tender loving care and unfailing knowledge about those who fear Him.

The Psalmist says, "You've kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You've stored my many tears in your bottle - not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance" (Psalm 56:8 TPT). By this, we can admit that God keeps record of all things about us, including our unfavourable experiences in this very book, for adequate recompense. Nothing that happens to us is a surprise to Him.

Through the power of fellowship, we are always captured by the eyes of the Lord, as we remind Him of greatness and supremacy. Therefore be wise in heart, understand the mystery behind the power of fellowship and take advantage of it today and always. A book of remembrance is always written before God each time we share His thoughts and participate in His knowledge with love, high esteem, and joyful admiration. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 27:17; Acts 2:44; Romans 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 John 1:3.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is true that your eyes are on the righteous who reverence your Name, and your ears are inclined to their conversations. As the righteous, my fellowship with the Holy Spirit and fellow Christians is well pleasing unto you. With an attitude of reverence and respect, I esteem your holy Name in my daily communications. Thus, my words are peculiar treasures written in your book of remembrance and I equally flourish and share in the blessings of my salvation through the Spirit. Hallelujah!