Fellowship. I’m sure that’s a word you’ve heard often. But what’s the big deal?
Well, fellowship is a special friendship between christians, it’s when you ‘do life’ together! Many churches call themselves a fellowship, and by this they are saying that it is a place of christian relationship. A bit like a family! The Church is a place where every person, Christian or not, should feel welcome.
If you feel like people have been getting on to you a bit maybe because they haven’t seen you around church for a while, the following may be some familiar excuses that you’ve used! LOL! But we want to encourage you to get involved in church life, and seek out some good christian friendships that can encourage you in your faith!
- ‘It’s not like I’m that important, why do people care if I’m there or not?’
Well, you’re important enough that Jesus died for you. You’re important enough that God has given you a specific plan and a purpose! Not everyone can be worship leaders, not everyone can be Sunday school teachers and not everyone can be pastors (1 Corinthians 12:6). We are all part of the body of Christ, and each of us have been given an individual gift. God can also use your testimony to help others on their own journey! You have a part in the kingdom of God, never doubt that.
- ‘I can just watch the sermons online. I don’t need to be there.’
In Acts, the apostles of Jesus and many believers would meet together as often as they could (Acts 2:46-47). As people of God, they made sure to always see each other, because there is true greatness when Christians are gathered together. You are able to talk freely about your relationship with God, and they can give Godly advice. ‘…Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ – Hebrews 10:25
- ‘Okay, I go to church, but why do I need to have Christian friends?’
It’s important to surrounded yourself with people of God who will be there to pray for you, study the Bible with you and attend the services with. Church is meant to be fun, and most of us have fun when we are with friends! Unfortunately, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems, some of us go to small churches with very few people our age and so it can be difficult to find friends. Try your best to find opportunities to socialise with other christians your age, maybe attend a youth event in your area! And don’t underestimate the power of asking God to bring you a friend!
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
1 comment
interesting