The condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion, or nationality.
The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.
A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.
Friendship; comradeship.
Interesting definition points there. We use that word a lot, we Christians. I think especially Protestants for some reason. What does it mean? Well, I have some definitions up there. From the Greek koinos, meaning common. It seems to be sometimes translated communion - closely related to communicate. I wonder if what we call fellowship is something else entirely. We sit around uncomfortably talking about this or that, nothing very important. Sometimes I'm convinced we never really say what we'd like to say or what we need to say. We reserve that out of fear.
If we're supposed to have a life that is "in common," what is it that we have in common? It's as much as we give I suppose. Nothing is had in common unless it is given to have.
There are many times when what we have to give as parts of the whole are not what is desired. What then? We fear for different reasons. One is the fear of something we need to say being dismissed by the other(s). We fear not being liked because of what we might say, because someone might get offended even if our motives are good. We also fear being thought of as a fool for what we might say or do. We fear not being loved. Now, neither of these fears may be legitimate in whatever case, but there it is.
We should know, though, at least mentally, that there is no fear in love. That verse is often quoted in relation to "fear of the dark" or "fear of dying" or whatever. It's fairly clear what it's talking about - fear of punnishment. Fear of being rejected by God and perhaps others. That's a core fear, not a peripheral one. And if we, as a community, foster an atmosphere which promotes fear of rejection, woe to us. Of course, perhaps we foster well enough an atmospher of acceptance and true love but one particular person has interior problems with the concept and reality of love, now that is something different. Nevertheless, we need to open ourselves to be loved, by God and others, and set our will (at least that at a base level) toward loving God and others. And love gives. Love is honest and says what it means. Love does not make people walk on eggshells.
So, fellowship or life in common, community, is simply the life of love between siblings. It is love, living and moving in us and among us.
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P Pronunciation Key (f
l
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p
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