Fellowship of the Saints—Nothing Sweeter

Have you ever been on a trip or camping experience which involved shared adversity? Our church's small group once went camping for a long weekend. Some were not hardened campers and were there under sufferance. We all had young kids. It rained and rained. We had no group shelter. It was wet and cold. Eventually, we rigged up some tarpaulins over picnic tables. We played games and kept happily busy for three days. Finally, the sun emerged, and we dried out. We still have fond memories of that weekend. We had suffered and survived together. We had bonded, and our relationships had deepened.

In his final greetings, Paul mentions a number of friends with whom he has suffered and survived. Paul knows them and their hearts intimately. They have shared experiences in ministry and suffering. Consequently, they have built long-lasting, deep relationships which have survived distance and time. (Don't miss the description of Luke. He is the one who wrote the Gospel that bears his name.)

Paul has no hesitation in passing on greetings and commending them to one another. Paul is confident that the fellowship he has shared with each of them will be mutually enjoyed and appreciated by the others. This is the fellowship of the saints, enjoyed by Christians around the world, who are faithfully serving their Saviour.

Are you finding this type of fellowship at present? Are your Christian involvements, along with others, leading you into challenging and stretching situations in which you are forced to lean on one another as together you learn to build trust in God? Are you letting “iron sharpen iron” (Proverbs 27:17)? Seek out fellowship like this, in which your mutual focus on pleasing God leads you into areas of shared experience, requiring a deeper, more satisfying trust in him. Our reward is a deeper relationship with God and sweet fellowship with those who are travelling the road with us. There is nothing sweeter or more memorable.

Respond in Prayer

Father God, I confess that my life is often focused on self-preservation and comfort rather than seeking out your best way forward. Help me to find friends who will encourage me to please you with all of my life. I know this is where I will find my deepest human relationships and most fulfilling service for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rob Cornish

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).