For people who have been part of a church community, hearing the word “fellowship” is not uncommon. In order for us to truly understand what the Bible says about fellowship, it is essential that we first understand its original root word, which is “koinonia” in Greek. When the Bible mentions koinonia (Acts 2:42), it means “to share in common”. However, in 2 Corinthians 9:13, the word koinonia is interpreted with another word. While in Acts 2:42, it means to share, in 2 Corinthians 9:13, it means contribution.
Basically, koinonia or fellowship depicts a dynamic relationship between God and His children, who are believers. What they are sharing is not just items or possessions, but Jesus Christ himself. The Greek word koinonia captures the entirety of this relationship. Fellowship in the Bible means giving material blessings and sharing spiritual blessings with other believers. More importantly, it means sharing Christ.
Sharing Christ
Fellowship, according to the Bible, is more than just an informal social gathering between believers. It is about acknowledging with one another that we are connected in Christ. Regardless of denominational and cultural differences, the Church or the Body of Christ should value fellowship. It is about sharing what we have in common. Fellowship consists of more than just attending your local Church; it means assimilating into the body of believers, where we can become one in mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Christians should understand how important fellowship is. This mutually beneficial relationship between believers of Christ should be cultivated, not just on Sundays, but every day of your life. Fellowship is a gift from God and it exists because He has enabled it by His power and grace. Anyone who believes in the Gospel of Christ is united in the Spirit. The Holy Trinity is the basis of our fellowship. Just like the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Christians should also have that complete unity or “oneness”. In 1 John 1:3, we read, “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” Take note that we are worshiping God in our moments of fellowship.
The Body of Christ
We can have friendships and build relationships with unbelievers, but Christian fellowship is much more important and far healthier for us. True Christian fellowship only occurs within the body of Christ. This is because we “share” something in common, like goals, purposes, visions, and beliefs. Fellowship is beneficial because it helps us focus on Jesus and God’s will. Accomplishing goals is much easier if we stay united as Christians. Aside from helping us focus on Christ, fellowship also helps believers sharpen one another’s faith. As iron sharpens iron, Christians should also sharpen fellow Christians (Proverbs 27:17), and this can only be done through fellowship.
Fellowship or koinonia can also mean sharing in the benefits of the death and resurrection of Christ. It can also mean that we need to share our sufferings. This shared union and shared participation make us unique among other religious sectors. What we share is more than material things. We share God’s only begotten Son, in whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:16).
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