Fellowship: Walking Together in God's Love

We are made in God's image, so as social creatures, we are not designed to continually be alone, but rather interacting with others. God wants close association with us, His ultimate creation, as shown in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:8). God didn't wipe His hands of man and remain aloof in Heaven after man sinned but outworked through Jesus the means of salvation whereby we could come back close to Him – having fellowship with the Father and Son by the Holy Spirit dwelling within, and then being together for all eternity (1 Jn 1:3; Rev 21:3).

Fellowship with God

Our fellowship is with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 1:9; 2 Cor 13:14). This can be seen as sharing vertically in the union each of us has in Christ, besides sharing together with other believers the common union we have with Christ and each other. This includes joining with others in the gospel and uniting with Christ in His suffering (Phil 1:5, 2:1-2, 3:10; 1 Jn 1:3,7). Taking communion (the Lord's Supper) is having fellowship with Christ.

Fellowship is a sharing together in a common life and experience; our experiences are not unique to us; others have, are or will go through similar incidents and as appropriate, we can comfort and support them while also receiving from them (1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 1:3-4).

Fellowship with Others

Fellowship involves being together, sharing what we have, and our very selves too. It is developed through love, concern, encouragement, challenging and confronting in the secure environment of trust and accountability. In healthy friendships, we are mentally stimulated and positive change will take place through being outwardly focused as the motivation is to bless and enrich the other person, which often includes forgiveness.

By giving yourself away in a genuine Christ-like way, you will form strong praying, comforting, sharing and caring relationships with others. As the evil in the world increases continue to fellowship with other Christians so your faith will be built up—do not forsake meeting together (Heb 10:25).

Fellowship includes: recognising each other's worth and equality as in God's sight we all are equal, no one is inferior or superior and we all share equally in the transforming power of His love (Gal 3:28; Col 3:11); being sensitive to others needs and desires, and by being other-focused we can become 'whole' people (Rom 12:15-16; 1 Cor 12:25-26; Heb 13:3); respecting the worth of another and submitting in an attitude of humility, motivated by the fear of God (1 Cor 12:21); giving and receiving based on ability and need, "Doing to others as we would they do to us", not just material possessions but also encouragement, ministry, counsel and practical help (Lk 6:31); a unity of heart and mind as people pull together in the same direction (Eph 4:3; Phil 1:5,27); a genuine concern and care for one another, treating them as we would treat Christ in a tangible and practical way by "going and doing" (Mt 25:40; Lk 10:27-37).

Benefits of Socializing for Mental Health

Socializing and regular interaction with others is profoundly beneficial to our mental health. As social beings created in God's image, we thrive when we engage in meaningful relationships and community connections. Research consistently shows that people with strong social networks experience reduced rates of anxiety and depression, enhanced cognitive function, and greater overall life satisfaction.

Positive social interactions trigger the release of oxytocin and endorphins—natural chemicals that promote feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and strengthen emotional resilience. Regular fellowship provides emotional support during difficult times, creates opportunities for sharing burdens (Gal 6:2), and offers perspectives that help us navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace.

Moreover, social engagement stimulates mental activity and helps maintain cognitive health, particularly as we age. Meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and collaborative activities keep our minds sharp and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. When we encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thes 5:11), we create an environment where mental and emotional flourishing can naturally occur.

Compatibility and Hindrances

Satan is out to destroy such relationships through busyness, rejection, tension, wrong attitudes, taking offence, self-seeking, masks, gossip, accentuating differences of values and opinions. We need to keep up contact with our friends or we will drift apart, as no fellowship takes place in isolation.

What can hinder or destroy fellowship includes: unresolved conflict and unforgiveness that creates barriers between hearts (Mt 5:23-24; Eph 4:26-27); pride and self-righteousness that prevent humility and openness (Prov 16:18; Jas 4:6); gossip and slander that erode trust and damage reputations (Prov 16:28; Eph 4:29); selfish ambition and seeking personal gain over the needs of others (Phil 2:3-4); holding onto grudges and offenses that poison relationships (Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:13); neglect and lack of investment in the relationship (Heb 10:24-25); dishonesty and hiding behind masks that prevent authentic connection (Prov 12:22; 1 Jn 1:6-7); spiritual compromise that creates distance from God and each other (2 Cor 6:14-15; 1 Jn 1:6); comparison and envy that breed discontent (Gal 5:26; Jas 3:16); and isolation and withdrawal that break the bonds of community (Heb 10:25; Eccl 4:9-12).

Reflection and Application:

• How can I be more intentional about building authentic relationships with other believers?
• Am I open and honest in my relationships, or do I wear masks that hinder true fellowship?
• In what ways can I extend fellowship to those who are isolated or in need?
• Do I need to forgive someone or seek forgiveness to restore broken fellowship?

See also: accountability, alone, connection, forgiveness, friends/friendship, integrity, non-negotiable, offence, relationships.