Fellowship and praying with one another is something that the early church did all the time. They loved one another, especially when it came to helping and praying for those in need. It wasn’t hard for them to find time for others, in order to make them feel welcome and loved as fellow saints. In Paul’s letters, we see this all the time. In saying this, we will examine just one of those letters in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 3, starting with verse 7. It reads, “therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thessalonians 3:7-10) So what caused Paul to be comforted? It was that other believers stood fast in their faith, even during trials and persecution. He thanked each one of them for standing true to what they believed in. His joy came just knowing that they were in good standing with God. Even did He pray night and day for them. This way anything lacking in their faith would be perfected day after day.
We can learn a lot from the saints of old. The believers of Jesus back then showed their love for Him in the way they ministered unto other people. There are churches that do this today with home groups, morning prayer time, bible studies, evangelism outreaches, classes for people struggling with addiction, and encouraging people to say hi and get together with each other after church. I love how Calvary Chapel Boise does all this and I am grateful to attend their services. This is what fellowship is. Lastly, Paul wrote, “now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13) My friends and brothers and sisters in the faith, this exhortation to let Jesus direct our paths is so important. Only by so doing will we learn how to love one another in the church. God will help us become more selfless and in doing good unto others if we let Him. He will even bring His holiness into our lives, which will really help.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, may Your Spirit abide in us at all times. Help us to love one another in the faith as much as we love You, God. It is my prayer that we will never go to church again just to hear the message, but to leave quickly leave afterward. This is very discouraging to people who wish to fellowship after the service when most people leave so quickly. It is such a peaceful atmosphere after church service is over. I can just go to a table and begin a gospel conversation with another brother or sister in the faith. I learn so much from each one of them that I meet. You have blessed many of them with different spiritual gifts, which they are able to share with me. This is very encouraging, and my faith is increased just talking with them. And if these brothers or sisters are struggling or in need of prayer, I love how open they are so accepting of prayer and a helping hand. I know that I need help from people, especially prayer. You know that, God. That is why You are so often helping me when I come to You for assistance. You never leave me or forsake me. I just pray that I will have more opportunities to meet more people in the faith. That people will be bold and get out of their comfort zones, in order to greet others and have conversations after church. You have opened me up to talk to people and I know You can do the same for another. I believe in You, Jesus. You are my God and I worship You. I love You. Amen.
