Fellowship

   I am very attracted to the contemplative way of spirituality.  The quiet thought and meditation of God and His ways gives me comfort and peace.  It opens my heart and mind to Him and His ways.

   While I truly enjoy the contemplative aspects of my faith there is also a need for fellowship.  A communion with others who share my faith and beliefs.  Common faith creates common bonds and strengthens the faith we share.  We are the family of God and families are supposed to share.

   You can see the importance of fellowship in the gospels.  The apostles enjoyed the fellowship of Christ and found salvation and strength through that relationship.  After His resurrection and ascension Jesus’ followers formed fellowship in their manner of living a somewhat communal life.  In this way, one whose faith might be faltering or weakening had others to bolster them in their efforts.  Each cared for the other both in earthly and spiritual matters.

   We see too little fellowship in the world today.  People tend to be more private in their lives and find sharing difficult.  Yet, sharing is what makes life exciting and pleasant.  Sharing those things we like in common makes them more enjoyable.  There is also a learning in fellowship.  A golf enthusiast may find ways to improve their game by sharing tips and ideas with others for example.

   The same opportunity for learning and growth is present in a fellowship of faith.  We all struggle from time to time and the opportunity to draw on the experience of others can help us through the hard times.  The thoughts of one concerning a particular scripture or belief can add new light to our own understanding.  Faith is a growth process; fellowship is a wonderful opportunity to grow.

  Faith shouldn’t be restricted to one means of expressing it.  Never limit the ways in which you grow and share your faith.  There are many paths to a faithful life and each has value.  In fellowship with others we help ourselves and those with whom we share grow closer to God.