During this series on the subject of fellowship, we have learned that the spiritual application of the term “fellowship” can be described as unity among believers, based on a shared communion with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is expressed in a joint participation with Christ and other believers, accomplishing the purposes of God in the Church and in the world.
Fellowship with other believers doctrinally can only be enjoyed to the extent of our mutual understanding and submission to the truths of the Word of God as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit of God. This applies whether we are dealing with believers in the context of the local church or the Church in its large aspect.
We discovered that fellowship with other believers in meeting material and financial needs is motivated by our love for one another. The standard for our love for one another comes from the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (Joh 15:12).1
We shall learn that fellowship in this most effective and practical way should extend far beyond the walls of our local church building and the meetings of the assembly. Paul exhorts us in the book of Galatians, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (6:10). “Doing good” includes showing kindness in providing for the financial and material needs of others. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 not only provided for the needs of her household (vv15,21) but also extended kindness to the poor and needy (v20).
We understand that good works are not a means of salvation or of finding favour with God, as Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (2:8-9). Yet the very next verse in that chapter indicates that God has created us in Christ with the purpose that we should demonstrate good works as evidence that we are saved by His grace (v10). In fact, the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews suggested that we be so considerate of one another that we actually provoke one another to these acts of kindness (Heb 10:24).
In addition to being a testimony to the world around us, bearing witness to what the grace of God has done in our lives, bestowing good works of kindness on others actually brings glory to God. The Lord Jesus Himself encouraged, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mat 5:16).
Peter used similar language to exhort us to good works: “Having your conversation [manner of life, or conduct] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Pe 2:12).
Fellowship extended in this most practical way involves not only sharing in material and financial things but opening our homes. In his exhortation to believers to maintain brotherly love, the writer to the Hebrews encouraged hospitality: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:1-2).
Paul also encouraged brotherly love, recommending that we display it by distributing to the needs of the saints and being hospitable towards them: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love … distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Rom 12:10,13).
There are many examples in the Old Testament, as well, of hospitality, or providing lodging and sustenance for travelling pilgrims and others. Abraham invited three men into his tent so that they could rest themselves and comfort their hearts while he prepared a meal for them (Gen 18:1-8). Abraham’s servant was welcomed by Rebekah’s family with these words, “Come in, thou blessed of the LORD.” They washed his feet and provided food and lodging for him (24:31-33).
The Shunammite woman showed hospitality to Elijah by providing a chamber with a bed, a table, a stool and a candlestick so that whenever he passed that way, he would have a place to rest and be refreshed (2Ki 4:8-11). In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan who found a wounded man and took him to an inn and paid the full cost of his care and recovery (Luk 10:30-35).
In addition to extending our fellowship to others by showing them hospitality in inviting them into our homes, we can also assist them on their journeys. The elders of Ephesus accompanied Paul to the ship that was to take him to Rome. The thought is that they not only went with him but also provided him with things that he might need on his journey (Act 20:36-38).
Paul exhorted Titus similarly regarding certain of his fellow workers in the work of the Lord: “Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them” (Titus 3:13). Paul also commended Gaius for his faithfulness and charity to the brethren and to strangers and encouraged him to bring them forward on their journey (3Jn 5-6).
Let us look for every opportunity to extend our fellowship to the Lord’s people, wherever they are and whatever their need may be. Moses exhorted the people of Israel, “Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” (Deu 15:11).
Remember, the Lord is no man’s debtor and will faithfully reward in a coming day all that is done in His name. This is a principle that is seen in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures. Solomon wrote, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Pro 19:17).
Paul reminds us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24).
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV.
