The fellowship that believers share as a result of their common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed in life together. It is evident in worship together, in a love for one another which reflects God's own love and in a practical commitment to one another which is demonstrated in concern for the weak and readiness to share with the poor and needy.
Sharing in the fellowship of God's love
1 John 4:10–12 See also John 13:34, John 15:12; Ephesians 5:1–2; 1 John 3:10
And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.
Sharing in the fellowship of a common devotional life
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Worshipping together
Psalm 55:14 See also Psalm 42:4; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
Praying together
Acts 1:14 See also Acts 4:24, Acts 12:12; James 5:16
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Breaking bread together
1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 2 Peter 2:13; Jude 1:12 Love feasts accompanied the Lord's Supper though these were open to abuse.
True fellowship means sharing with those in need
Hebrews 13:16 See also Acts 20:34–35; Ephesians 4:28
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Showing hospitality
Romans 12:13 See also Isaiah 58:7; Hebrews 13:1–2; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 1:8
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Sharing money and possessions
Deuteronomy 15:10–11; Acts 2:44–45 See also Deuteronomy 10:18–19 God's people are to reflect his concern for the needy in society; Matthew 25:35–36; Luke 3:11; Acts 4:32–35; 2 Corinthians 8:13–15; 1 Timothy 6:17–18; James 1:27, James 2:15–16
Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
Examples of sharing with the needy
Job 31:16–20 Job's compassion for the needy; Acts 6:1 the daily distribution to widows; Acts 9:36 Tabitha's concern for the poor; Acts 11:29–30; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:3–4
Strengthening one another in fellowship together
Bearing with the weak
Galatians 6:1–2 See also Isaiah 42:3; Romans 14:1, Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Strengthening the weak
Isaiah 35:3–4 See also Job 4:3–4
Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”
Encouraging one another
Hebrews 10:24–25 See also 1 Samuel 23:16; Romans 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 13:3
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Putting the needs of others first
Romans 15:2 See also 1 Corinthians 10:24, 1 Corinthians 10:32–33
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
True fellowship means living in harmony
1 Peter 3:8 See also Romans 12:16; Ephesians 4:2–3; Philippians 2:1–4; Colossians 3:12–14
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
Showing equal concern for all
Acts 10:34; 1 Corinthians 12:25; James 2:1–4
Examples of fellowship
Numbers 10:31–32 Moses and Hobab; 1 Samuel 18:3 David and Jonathan; 2 Kings 10:15–16 Jehu and Jehonadab
Failure to exhibit true fellowship
1 Samuel 30:22 Troublemakers in David's army are unwilling to share the spoils; 1 Corinthians 1:11–12 factions within the church at Corinth; 1 Corinthians 11:17–22 Selfishness at love feasts humiliates the poor.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.