Abundant LifeSample

Fellowship

Fellowship is a beautiful component of the abundant life Jesus died to secure for us. The word fellowship is mentioned twenty times in the New Testament. It comes from the Greek word ‘koinonia’, meaning ‘having something in common’. True fellowship isn’t just socializing or hanging out. It’s the essence of unity and goes beyond a friendship or association with someone. It’s communion and harmony with other believers because of the grace of God.

Our verse today tells us if we have seen and heard of the Lord Jesus Christ, we should desire to have fellowship with other believers. And that fellowship with other believers is shared through a commonality of faith in the Father and the Son. While this kind of unity doesn’t mean complete agreement on every subject, it does mean our common belief in the gospel binds us together. We love the same Savior who came, died on the cross, rose from the grave, and is coming again. I encourage you to read the first couple verses in 1 John to understand the disciples’ passion for sharing the good news of Jesus with others. There would be no fellowship in verse 3 if the disciples were not testifying to God’s goodness in verse 2.

For others to have the opportunity to enjoy abundant life in fellowship with God and other believers, they must hear the gospel. That means you and I have to be willing to share it. So, do you have fellowship with God? Is it obvious to others that you’ve aligned your life with His purposes, and are you confident to talk about it? Is your life marked by unity and communion with other believers? Use your time wisely on today’s long run. Pray about your walk with Jesus and those with whom you’re sharing the journey. And give thanks that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection you can enjoy abundant life, in this life and the next.

First the Word – now the Workout:

1 round of a 3-mile run