As Christians, we’re told to have “fellowship” and “koinonia” with one another – but what exactly does that mean?
You see, true Christian fellowship is more than having coffee and donuts after church once a month to catch up with old church friends.
Instead, it’s a way of life. And if you’re wondering what koinonia even is and how to live out your faith – we’ve got you covered.
Koinonia is a Greek word that appears in the Bible twenty times and is used throughout Scripture in different ways to express the communion of believers.
Merriam-Webster defines koinonia as:
1: the Christian fellowship or body of believers
2: intimate spiritual communion and participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community
The word may sound intimidating and complicated – but it’s much simpler than you think.
Essentially, koinonia is Christians truly doing life together – the good and the bad, in every season.
It’s an intimate, spiritual communion and fellowship that transcends superficial niceties.
Showing up to church on Sunday and talking to a friend for five minutes after service about the sermon…
… having no real idea of what’s actually happening in this person’s life is not koinonia.
Of course there’s nothing wrong with talking about sermons or having a casual conversation with a friend – but true biblical fellowship was designed to be so much more!
In fact, there’s something beautiful about a body of believers gathering together for spiritual communion and fellowship to live out their faith.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42
And no, koinonia isn’t an outdated term that has ceased – it’s very much alive today!
Looking for practical examples or ways to get started?
Got Questions states what true biblical koinonia should look like:
“Scripture commands us to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), honor one another (Romans 12:10), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8), accept one another (Romans 15:7), serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13), spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9), and love one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12).”
When believers live out their faith in this way giving glory and praise to God, it creates a spiritual bond and family – and is a witness to a dying world.
When the storms of life hit, and they will, being able to “carry one another’s burdens” helps us all weather the storm.
As a believer, you are NOT meant to do life alone!
If you aren’t already plugged into your local church – look for ways you can serve and find fellowship.
Living out Biblical koinonia is just a small taste of heaven on earth.
And as you labor alongside your fellow Christians in love and united in Christ, you’ll be amazed at how He can work through and in you – for your good and His glory.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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