Fellowship with One Another 4

Romans 12:15-16

Groucho Marx is credited with the humorous observation, “I wouldn’t join a club that would have someone like me as a member.” We often hope to be better off than we are, hope to improve our social standing, hope to widen our sphere of influence and authority. And then, if it does happen, we sometimes look down on those who are where we were.

The same can be true in our spiritual walk. Is there any among us who does not need forgiveness? Is there any among us who does not need the mercy of Christ? No, not one.

Yet there are so many who have entered into a relationship with Christ and then look down on those who have not found it yet, or are struggling with their own salvation.

In his letter to the Romans Paul offers instruction on how to have fellowship with one another. What are we to do according to verse 15? What should be our attitude according to verse 16?

Fellowship is more than just spending time with other people. It involves the quality of time spent. Simply being in the presence of another person will not develop the kind of fellowship we are called to as Christians. Rather, we are to share our ups and downs, our dreams, our hopes, and our fears with one another.

We are to rejoice when our Christian brothers and sisters have a reason to rejoice. We should not be envious or resentful for their success and happiness. We are to mourn with those who mourn, sharing their sorrows. We should not keep our distance and hope for the best, but we should be willing to truly empathize with their sadness and spend time grieving with them.

This is true fellowship.

Finally, we are not to be proud, but willing to associate with people of low positions. And I believe this is talking about more than job level and income. We who have received salvation should be willing to associate with those who have not been saved so that we might be there to help them find that essential relationship with Jesus. Having fellowship with one another means sharing the journey of faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What is your attitude toward those who are not saved? Does it need to change?