Exercise Your Faith

7 Why Fellowship? And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV) The older I get, I find myself being more introverted than I used to be. I have worked out both by myself and with a group and I’ll admit, I prefer to work out by myself. It’s easy. It’s comfortable and I don’t have to socialize. I have my routine. I get up, get dressed, go out and do my thing. However, I know I get a much better workout when I’m with a group. The instructor pushes me just as I push myself more. I also learn different things from other people in the class. It’s more encouraging to me because I can tell I’m pushing myself harder and getting a much better workout. Sometimes it’s good to throw some variety in there. Work out with a partner. Join a class. It helps keep you accountable. Knowing that someone is waiting for you and counting on you will surely get you up in the morning. Remember, it may be you who is encouraging someone else just by showing up. Fellowship is like a group class. Proverbs 27:17 NIV reminds us that “as iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.” We need to be around other believers. It helps us grow and makes us stronger spiritually. We encourage and support each other because of the mutual bond that we Christians share. Just as we have brothers and sisters in real life, we also have brothers and sisters in Christ. Lastly, it reminds us that we’re not alone. There’s nothing like hearing the congregation singing, worshipping, and praising our God together. Our key verse tells us to “spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” What a fun thought! Try joining a Bible study, small group, or book study. This keeps us accountable as usually there is a schedule to follow with discussion after certain reading assignments. You may also find yourself making more meaningful connections because of the more intimate setting. It is refreshing to find you have more in common with other group members than you ever imagined. You may find the smaller, more focused attention on a topic will give you so much more insight and appreciation than if you were to read something on your own. You’ll often hear other ideas, opinions, and perspectives you may not have thought of. I know it’s easy to get comfortable and stay home on Sunday morning and say you don’t need the church fellowship. I’ve said that too many times only to come home and say I’m so glad I went. Prayer: Sweet Heavenly Father, you know it’s sometimes hard for me to even think about going out, going to church, or just being around other people. Lord, give me the desire to want to go out. Give me the motivation it takes to go out. Use me however you need so that I can encourage someone today. In Jesus’s name, Amen. Memorize: Philippians 2:2 NIV: “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12