We are called to be part of a fellowship of believers. We are meant to do life together, to support each other and spur each other on in our faith. Science is finally catching up with scripture on this one.
Belonging has been considered important to one’s wellbeing for some time now. Recently, it was declared a basic human need. It is right up there with shelter and food. We have an internal drive to form and maintain close relationships.
This can take on many forms from family, to friends, to church. However, a fellowship of believers has some unique characteristics. They focus on teaching, communing, prayer and praising God. They focus on God.
Mom was close to death, and us sisters were reflecting on her, our family and how it wasn’t going to be the same without her. The four of us knew that we needed to do something to make sure we stayed connected. I knew it would be easy for me to isolate myself and let our relationships slip.
We decided then that we would meet one Saturday every month and called it Sisters Saturday. This gathering has a specific purpose. It always includes communion and prayer requests. In five years, we have continued to meet regularly. There have been some variations and sometimes a sister is missing. It has been a gift to my faith and my relationship to my sisters.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke breadin their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Whether it is Sisters Saturday, close friends or my church community, being actively engaged in a fellowship of believers has supported my wellbeing and spurred on my faith. How about you? How do you stay engaged? Who lifts you up? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.