Fellowship in Jesus

Hey there, and welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Our reading, titled Fellowship in Jesus, was written by Dave Brannon. I'm not sure who's responsible for turning out the lights and locking up the church after our Sunday morning service.

But I know one thing about that person. Sunday dinner is going to be delayed. That's because so many people love to hang around after church and talk about life decisions, heart issues and struggles, and more. It's a joy to look around 20 minutes after the service and see so many people still enjoying each other's company. Fellowship is a key component of the Christ-like life. Without the connectivity that comes from spending time with fellow believers, we'd miss out on many benefits of being a believer. For instance, Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5, we can encourage one another and build each other up. The author of Hebrews agrees, telling us not to neglect getting together because we need to be encouraging one another. And the writer also says that when we're together, we spur one another on toward love and good deeds. As people dedicated to living for Jesus, we prepare ourselves for faithfulness and service as we encourage the disheartened and are patient with everyone. Living that way, as He helps us, allows us to enjoy true fellowship and to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 11-15. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as, in fact, you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

Hold them in the highest regard and love because of their work. Live in peace with each other, and we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive. Encourage the disheartened.

Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Let's pray. Dear God, Thank you so much for the opportunities we get to fellowship with other believers. Help us to be open and honest and to build relationships and create true fellowship with one another. May we also be someone who generously encourages others in love and compassion. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. I'm Stephen Tabor, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.