The purpose of being in Christ is to exist and function as a community. From sharing, to worship, confession and finally culminating in the Lord’s Supper we function as the “body of Christ”. Our life is together with one another and together with Christ, this is what true fellowship is all about.
As Christians we are part of something special (ie. “Community”), in fact this is the only community that matters and the only community in this life that will last into the next. This is why it is so important to be part of a local body of believers, we were not created to do life alone. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes:
“Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it be a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ” (Life Together).
Although our church community comes from all different backgrounds, the fellowship we enjoy transcends all that would normally divide. We are able to be together because of Jesus.
Ultimately, you need your brethren, and your brethren need you. Don’t ever separate yourself from this community. We were made “in Christ” to do life together with each-other. May we never drift from this amazing community known as the church.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25)