PURPOSE #2: You Were Formed for God’s Family 151
you believe it is important. The first Christians met together every
day! “They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met
in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals
with great joy and thankfulness.”^21 Fellowship requires an
investment of time.
If you are a member of a small group or class, I urge you to
make a group covenant that includes the nine characteristics of
biblical fellowship: We will share our true feelings (authenticity),
encourage each other (mutuality), support each other (sympathy),
forgive each other (mercy), speak the truth in love (honesty),
admit our weaknesses (humility), respect our differences,
(courtesy), not gossip (confidentiality), and make group a priority
(frequency).
When you look at the list of characteristics, it is obvious why
genuine fellowship is so rare. It means giving up our self-
centeredness and independence in order to become
interdependent. But the benefits of sharing life together far
outweigh the costs, and it prepares us for heaven.
Day Nineteen
Thinking about My Purpose
Point to Ponder:Community requires commitment.
Verse to Remember:“We understand what love is when
we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we
must give our lives for other believers.” 1 John 3:16 (GWT)
Question to Consider:How can I help cultivate today
the characteristics of real community in my small group
and my church?