Day 11: Fellowship

“You were created to belong, not just believe. “

You were created for a specific role (purpose); however, you will miss that purpose if you are not connected to others: Relationships.

*You will discover your roles through your relationships with others!

Life is meant to be shared through fellowship. Real fellowship is more than casual conversation, it is experiencing life together. True fellowship is usually better in smaller groups. Rick warren relates the church to a ship and a “small group” is your lifeboat.

Matthew 18:20- For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
So how do we create real, genuine fellowship?

1)      Honesty:

We must face the truth even when we would rather ignore it. So often, fear prevents us from confronting others about a problem. If our small group is suppose to be our lifeboat, we must be able to address all situations, even those that are uncomfortable. We do not want to create tension in our “safety zone.”
Ephesians 4: 14-15 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Many small groups remain superficial because they are afraid of conflict.

2)    Humility

We need to think of ourselves less but not less of yourself. Focus on others!

3)    Courtesy

Learn to respect our differences and become patient with those who irriatate us. Instead of thinking “how far they have to go” start thinking about “how far they have come through their pain.”

4)     Confidentiality

GOD HATES GOSSIP!!!! Proverbs 16:28-Troublemakers start fights;
   gossips break up friendships.
Our purpose is to build each other up, not tear down. If you don’t have something nice to say about someone or a situation, ask God for help to view them through his eyes.
When a brother or sister in Christ trusts you with “private” information, it is extremely important to keep it private. We are not suppose to judge them when they come to us, but love them through it!

5)    Frequency

We need to be spending “real” time with each other. “Real” time encouraging one another, listening and encouraging, offering support, laughing and honoring the Lord!

In Rick Warren’s book, he gives 9 characteristics of fellowship:

·         Authenticity- True Feelings

·         Mutuality- Encourage

·         Sympathy- Support

·         Mercy- Forgive

·         Honesty- Truth

·         Humility- Admit weaknesses

·         Courtesy- Respect differences

·         Confidentiality- NO GOSSIP

·         Frequency- make your small group a priority

If you are not involved in a small group, I strongly encourage you to join one. This past year I have been in a few small groups. These groups varied from 5-10 girls. I am currently in one with two very dear friends, kim and Lindsay. I feel like I can trust these two girls with almost anything, and I hope they feel the same way towards me. I really enjoy meeting with these two ladies each week as we share our struggles with each other I instantly feel better. As humans we were not made to keep our emotions to ourselves, we long to share them. It is best to share your deepest struggles in a group like this, one that is private, small, and will encourage you through the pain.

Outside these two women, I have several godly women in my life who I can turn to for support. Majority of these ladies have become my friends through my involvement at Second Baptist Church. My challenge to anyone reading today’s entry is:

*think of your “life boat” of friends. That small group you can go to when times get rough. Can you 100% trust these people? If you are struggling to think of at least 3 or 4 individuals I STRONGLY encourage you to get plugged in somewhere.