Due to Covid-19, many churches have closed their doors and now offer online services. Government mandates, social distancing, mask-wearing, and unrealistic demands placed on churches has discouraged many congregations from meeting in live services. Putting politics aside, I wanted to discuss the importance of fellowship.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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.”

We are encouraged to fellowship and Hebrews 10:24 warns us not to give up meeting together. While we gather as the Body of Christ we are encouraged, strengthened, affirmed in our faith. We hold each other accountable and we help each other when burdens are too heavy. When we worship with songs of praise, God inhabits our praises. We were created to worship God.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 (KJV)

The church is our family. We may not be of the same human bloodline, but we do share in the saving grace of Jesus’ blood. By the blood of Jesus Christ, we become a family. To those who are single, widowed, or new to the area… attending church is like going home and interacting with brothers and sisters.

Many of us are weary of the sudden changes rocking our world. The “new normal” does not sit well with many folks. Christian fellowship refreshes all who are weary.

Jeremiah 31:25 says, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

We need the love and fellowship of like-minded friends. God created us for relationship. We need interaction. Locking ourselves inside our homes is taking a toll. We all need physical touch: handshakes, hugs, or at least an elbow bump. We should be wise in all matters regarding this virus, but we should not be swayed by fear and intimidation. God has written the number of our days in His book and we can trust Him to measure out every last second. Covid cannot rob us of any time on our lifeline.

“A person’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Job 14:5 (NIV)

A spiritual battle is in full throttle and the attack is on many different levels. All the more reason to gather in His name and pray as a community of believers. Satan trembles when a righteous man/woman offers up a prayer for, the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 (NKJV)

Our English word, fellowship is the translation of the Greek word, koinonia. In addition to being translated as “fellowship” it is also translated by the words, “contribution,” “sharing,” and “participation.” Action is always included in its meaning. So, fellowship is not just being together… it is doing together. May we all stand together and fellowship according to God’s will and purpose.

“For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 (NIV)