Fellowship’s Rich Joy

“I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me.., after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there… After I have completed this task and made sure they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way… 

“I urge you… to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me… that I may be kept safe… and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received.., so that I may come to you with joy… and be refreshed… The God of peace be with you all.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon in Cenchreae… to give her any help she may need…
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me…
Greet my dear friend Epenetus…
Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles…
Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test…
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
Greet Rufus and his mother, who has been a mother to me.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers and sisters with them.
Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.” Romans 15:24-25,28,30-16:10,12-16

Paul’s letters were meaty and instructional, and always laced with love and affection. His ministry of the gospel was compelled by gratitude to the God who saved him and love for God’s people, and his written communication conveys both. The richness of fellowship he shared with all his churches was continually stirred up and promoted in his writing. He would not be with them forever, but intimate joy of fellowship among the believers would endure.

The arms of God that are not too short to save are wide to embrace and underneath to sustain his people. He envelops us in love so we catch His heartbeat, and upholds us by His power. We have the indescribable privilege of participating in glad, strengthening fellowship within His Body. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Isaiah 59:1; Hebrews 1:3)

What delights of fellowship am I enjoying, and engendering? With whom am I communicating about God’s deeds and prayer needs? How appreciative am I of ministries that are different from my own? Where am I giving personally, or passing along what I have been given, to meet the needs of fellow Christians?

Whom do I specifically name in my prayers, and how regularly do I pray for them? In what ways do I show care and compassion? How quick am I to commend, encourage, and build up? When is the last time I wrote a note or embraced someone with God’s love? The Lord composes His Body of different and interconnected people who together build the church and bring Him glory. (Ephesians 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Lord, help me build up, care, and love, to the joy of Your people and to Your delight.