Fellowship of the Spirit

This past Sunday I was sitting in a quiet corner when our worship service ended. The sermon was inspiring, the song service was edifying, and the service was a great way to prepare me for another week in the world. But what happened after the service actually touched my heart more than that days worship. When the closing prayer was over and the quiet echos of ‘Amen’ died out, our members all adjusted their calm statures and became casual. No one hurried for the exits, no one snuck past chatting members to quietly move toward the foyer. My church family turned toward one another in joy and fellowship. Hugs, smiles, and laughter could be heard through the forgotten mics. Eyes sparkled at greeting brothers and sisters and the sounds of their voices happily rose around. This actually brought my heart so much joy and peace, watching from the outside and seeing what a visitor may see here at our Riverview church of Christ. Members of a local congregation, but followers of Christ and brothers and sisters for the inheritance that our Lord promised to those who follow Him. This is how we prepare ourselves to be in world. We worship together to grow in Christ and knowing together we edify each other and glorify Him. Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2. make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 John 1:7 Walking together in the Light we have fellowship with one another. Philippians 1:3 I thank My God in all my remembrance of you. Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.