Characteristics of Biblical Fellowship

  1. Authenticity: we share our true feelings
  2. Mutuality: we encourage each other
  3. Empathy: we support each other
  4. Mercy: we forgive each other
  5. Honesty: we speak the truth in love
  6. Humility: we admit our weaknesses
  7. Courtesy: we respect our differences
  8. Confidentiality: we do not gossip
  9. Frequency: we make the group a priority

 

Two questions to ponder:

  • How has God revealed himself to you through someone else’s authenticity and humility? 
  • How can God use your authenticity and humility to reveal himself to someone you care about?

 


True community and true fellowship is the result of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of believers in conjunction with their choices and commitments… Community is built not on convenience (i.e., we’ll get together when I feel like it), but on the conviction that I need it for my spiritual health.

Adapted from Rick Warren’s, The Purpose-Driven Life, chapter on Cultivating Community