In the garden of Eden, God said it was not good for Adam to be alone. It is the same today, we need one another. We have been created for fellowship. If we neglect spending time with others we can become lonely and bitter. The majority of us love to get together with family and or friends and spend time talking, laughing and just sharing life. It can be like a tonic that rejuvenates us!
As Christians it is just as important that we spend time with fellow believers. God has equipped us all with different gifts and strengths that are made to be shared. We can gain so much from one another. When dark times come, it’s great to know there are other people not only praying on your behalf but available when you need an encouraging word. Then there are times when we may need some fine tuning in our thinking or actions and who better to receive it from than another believer who has your best interest at heart.
We are so fortunate to have a second family that is there to build us up in our faith, encourage us, correct us when we are going off the tracks and to share the amazing things God is doing in our lives. No wonder the scripture says in Hebrews 10:25 NIV 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
If you’re not currently attending a church where you can use your strengths and gifts and receive the benefit of the strengths and gifts of others it’s time to find one. God knows the need we have to give and receive encouragement and therefore warns us not to stop meeting together. There are so many benefits that come from gathering together with fellow believers. Here are just a few verses that demonstrate some of them…
Acts 15:32 NIV 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
Colossians 3:16 NIV 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
1 Peter 4:8-10 NIV 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
For anyone that doesn’t have a Church family, I would encourage you to pray for direction in finding one. It can be such a great blessing in your life, both in giving of yourself and in receiving from others!