JESUS SPEAKING
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I will be in the midst of them” (Mathew 18: 19 – 20.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
When two or more gather together in the name of Jesus Christ a powerful bond is formed between the creator and His creations; a bond that allows mankind to more fully commune with the living God. Genuine Christianity can never be practiced in complete solitude. Rather, the greatest expressions of faith can only be realized when believers gather together to love God and to love one another. Without regular fellowship, it is nearly impossible to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
A portion of my week is devoted to answering the prayer lines at my local church (a ministry I have been involved in for years.) Although there are many faithful callers, there are many more who are unhappy, unsatisfied, disturbed, or emotionally unstable; some of whom are stuck in addictions and are in bondage to various sins. I often ask them, “Where are you fellow-shipping?” Some common responses are, “I used to fellowship at such and such a place but I don’t anymore;” or “I no longer fellowship because everywhere I go people turn against me;” and finally, “I don’t need to fellowship because I have my own relationship with God.” I often remind them that faith is meant to be shared, and that no one can practice Christianity unless they are regularly fellow-shipping with others believers. Some callers get upset and become hostile. Others wisely consider making the necessary adjustments and their lives are changed for the better.
Weekly, if not daily fellowship is an expression of genuine faith. Those who desire to grow closer to God must also grow closer to their brothers and sisters in Christ. We can remain in communication with other believers through social media, phone calls, and text messages. We can pray for and encourage one another. We can frequent weekly services and take communion. We can attend small group bible studies and other church functions. By loving our fellow Christians we will know the fullness of God’s love; as we draw near to Him and to others, our minds will know peace, and our hearts will be filled with joy.
“Lord Heavenly Father we strongly desire to fellowship with other believers. As we draw nearer to one another may we draw nearer to You. Provide us with opportunities to commune with the other members of Your body; may our actions always be loving and may we never fail to encourage our eternal brothers and sisters. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 