Day #19: Friday, January 22nd

Life Together

Scripture References: Matt. 18:18-20, 2 Cor. 2:6-7, Gal. 6:2

Devotional

Each one of you is part of the Body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace.”  (Col. 3:15 CEV). 

​“How wonderful it is… for God’s people to live together in harmony.” (Ps. 133:1)

Life together for the church is called fellowship.  The word means more than casual conversation, socializing and food.  Real fellowship is intended to be “experiencing life together.”  God’s view is unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, and comforting one another.  Jesus gave us an example of life together as He ministered in the context of a small group of disciples.  As was the custom of the early church, every Christian was involved in a small group within their church, whether  a home group or bible study.

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matt. 18:20)

What a tremendous promise in experiencing life together.  

Experiencing life means:

• People being real and comfortable with one another
• People experiencing giving and receiving
• People experiencing sympathy - feeling the pain of others
• People experiencing mercy instead of judgement

On the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.” (2 Cor. 2:7)

 Through fellowship, we are able to give the life and encouragement that can only come from one another to endure the challenges of life.  It is an essential part of your Christian life that you cannot overlook.  You were created for community. 

Prayer

Lord, I commit to experiencing life with others.
When I gather with others, I thank you for Your presence.
I will be honest and real with others as you lead me.
I will give when I am able to.
I will listen to others and try to understand their pain.
I will always give mercy instead of harshness and judgment.
I will give encouragement as often as I can because you want me to.