Ladies, coffee, & frou-frou desserts

Suppose I sent you this invitation:

What's the first thought that runs through your mind? Most of us would think, "Great. I'm there. Hanging out with just the ladies, drinking coffee, and enjoying a frou-frou dessert. Can't get any better than that."

Coffee, casual conversation, and frou-frou desserts would take up some of our time, but not all of it. I looked up the definition of "fellowship". It means companionship, a group of people with the same interests spending time together. As brothers and sisters in Christ, fellowship is more than just eating frou-frou desserts and drinking coffee. Fellowship is about us becoming involved in each other's lives.

How do we do that? How do we go beyond the coffee and desserts and "really" get to know one another? How do we experience the kiononia fellowship Scripture speaks to (Acts 2:42)? We do this by spending quality time together, sharing with one another our struggles and rejoicing together in victories. We pray for each other and hold one another accountable to the truths and commands of Scripture. We encourage one another and serve each other as unto the Lord.

"I want us to help each other with the faith we have.

Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you."

Romans 1:12, NCV

True fellowship is about being transparent with one another; accepting the other person for exactly who they are and not judging them for past sins. It's about taking off our masks and being real.

Do you fellowship with other Christians? Before you answer the question, review the definition of what fellowship means. Fellowship is companionship; it's a group of people who have the same interests and spend time together.

Are you spending time with those who have the same interests as you; those who desire to become more like Christ every day? Are you praying for and with your sisters in Christ? Are you encouraging them in their walk with the Lord? Are you being real? Do others feel comfortable enough around you, knowing you aren't going to judge or condemn them, to be real themselves?

Think of three people you can pray for, pray with, encourage, love, serve and fellowship with. Write their names down.
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Now, commit for one month to faithfully pray for, pray with, encourage, love, serve, and fellowship with these individuals. Ask these people what it is that you can pray for them about. Think of ways you can encourage them, love them, and serve them. Schedule times to get together and have that coffee and enjoy one another's company.

"Share each others troubles and problems,

and in this way obey the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2, NLT

I would love to be able to pray for each of you. Please let me know ways in which I can lift you to the throne of grace.