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Good Fellowship is a Little Uncomfortable

Some time ago researchers at UC Berkeley conducted an experiment that introduced an amoeba into a stress-free environment.  This lucky amoeba experienced a perfect world in terms of temperature, humidity, and food supply.  Contrary to expectations, the amoeba died.  It could be said that too much comfort killed the amoeba. 

            Everybody needs a little discomfort to grow. What is true for life is also true for Christian fellowship. The whole point of the body of Christ is that we are all very different from one another.  1 Corinthians 12:17 says, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing?  If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?”

            I am a married man with teenage children.  It would be my temptation to fellowship mostly with other people in my age and stage of life.  Yet to do so would be to miss out on so many blessings. The church is a place where:

  • Younger people are to fellowship with older people (Titus 2:1-8)
  • People of different races and ethnicities are to grow together (Ephesians 2:11-14)
  • The spiritually mature are to mix and mingle with those who are less mature (Romans 14:1-7)
  • Single people are to grow in fellowship with married people (1 Corinthians 7:1-40)
  • People of different socio-economic backgrounds should grow in unity (James 2:1-10)

Good fellowship is a little uncomfortable.  It involves getting to know people of different

backgrounds and personalities.  It involves moving out of an established circle of friends.  It involves greeting new people and welcoming them in.  It requires getting to know people of different ethnicities, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.  

            Are you ready to experience the joy of Christian fellowship? Reach out to someone different than yourself today.  Get to know someone you wouldn’t normally talk to.  Pray for someone in a different age and stage of life.

May God bless you richly in the fellowship of the church!

© Dan Nah