Recently, I have been reflecting on friendship and fellowship. Hebrews 10:23-25 states: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

This scripture encourages us to come together and have fellowship with one another. Fellowship is defined as a “friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests.” As someone who is an introvert, the idea of fellowship and “assembling together” can be a bit unsettling. However, as I’ve grown in my relationship with God, I’ve also grown in the desire to have fellowship. For a while, it seemed as though I didn’t really have many people to fellowship with. I have many friendly acquaintances and friends I enjoy but associating with those who shared an interest in Christ and the Christian faith was a bit lacking.

My previous blog was about vulnerability. In longing for fellowship, I have realized there has to be that openness with one another. Again, as someone who is introverted and very private, this was a bit scary. With many past experiences turning out poorly in being vulnerable with others, it wasn’t exactly an attractive idea. However, turning to God to honestly cry out for real fellowship and friendship is what I did. And He is ever so faithful. It is in His word that we are to gather together to fellowship and have relationship with other members of the body of Christ. There are so many good things that come from being with one another.

Recently, I have had the privilege of making a couple of new friends in Christ to fellowship with. It has been amazing. We have encouraged one another in faith and love. We have called out the gold in one another and also received correction when needed. In Proverbs 27:17 it says, “iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” I have truly seen this in having close fellowship with my friends. It has been a great blessing to be able to share and be vulnerable with one another. Really, it has been an honor to have met them.

In my past, I often felt alone and like I was the odd man out. Having said all this, today I want to encourage you that if you are feeling that way, be open to who God brings into your life. You may be surprised at who He brings. They may not be what you expected but trust in God’s faithfulness. It is His will for us to be in relationship with one another. If it is His will, then He will fulfill it. Take time to open your heart to Him in this area and see what He has for you.

Written by: Liz Livingston
Published on 1/23/18