Genuine Fellowship

"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

1 John 1:6-7

The word "fellowship" has been loosely used as a description of Christian gatherings as long as I can remember.  People say things like, "It would be great to get together for food and fellowship."  Fellowship (koinonia) as described by scripture is the ideal, but what passes for "fellowship" can be merely a friendly social interaction.  Personal fellowship with God is required before we can have fellowship with others.  Fellowship is not a gathering of people with similar beliefs, but those who are living righteously, loving others, and are being obedient to Jesus.  The Greek word "koinonia" as translated and defined by the Strong's Concordance can help aid us in recognising genuine fellowship from other impostors.

In the KJV, "koinonia" is translated "fellowship" 12 times, "communion" 4 times, and "communication," "distribution," "contribution," and "to communicate" once each.  Koinonia is much more than talking but a deep connection and intertwining of personal lives in the pursuit of Jesus Christ.  True fellowship is a freedom to contribute and distribute to others what He has freely given to us.  When Paul received a financial gift, he said they communicated with him concerning giving and receiving.  Paul had given them Bible teaching to supply their spiritual needs, and they communicated practical things to meet his physical needs.  Perhaps the meaning of "koinonia" is even more clear when we look at the Strong's definition:  "partnership, (literal) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction; to communicate, communion, (contri-) distribution."  Let's examine some of these facets in greater depth to help us appreciate what koinonia looks like:

• Partnership:  there is a big difference from working at the same job and being "partners."  One is a shared work space, but a partnership is a commitment to another person or people.  It is joining together as one for a cause for the benefit of all, choosing to trust God and others moving forward.
• Participation:  this means to be actively included.  It may be many people go to a dance and are content to sit and watch, but only those on the dance floor are actually participating in the festivities.  Not everyone will have the same skills or style, but anyone can have fun should they choose to lay aside self-consciousness and go for it.
• Social Intercourse:  this described a social interaction which goes deeper than surface level, as the word "intercourse" suggests.  Because other people are viewed as significant through God's love, there should be a genuine interest in others.  Christians who have been accepted by God must accept others, and have freedom to be transparent and share honestly without fear.
• Benefaction:  Christians are benefactors of the love, grace, and forgiveness of God.  We have received freely from God like beneficiaries noted in the will of a deceased person.  Our God is alive and gives according to His will.  We have each received some of the same things from God, but also unique gifts and talents we should rejoice in and use for the glory of God and the building up of other Christians.
• To Communicate:   communication is an exchange of ideas which requires a willingness to listen and contribute through conversation.  It suggests availability and the desire to pass on truths God has revealed and wisdom He has taught us through the scriptures.  Receiving is required for communication to occur, so we must be willing to both give and receive.
• Distribution:  Our time, money, and resources are all gifts from God we have received and ought to give to others as He leads.  When we recognise all good things we have are from God, we acknowledge His ownership through obediently giving according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  If you become aware of a need, it could be God desires to use resources He has given you to meet it.

My friends, this is a picture of genuine fellowship.  As you walk in the light of Jesus Christ through obedience to Him, genuine fellowship can only be expressed and enjoyed by faith in God as we abide in His love.  Koinonia is a way of life for Jesus, and He is life for us.  If this description of fellowship makes you uncomfortable, good!  It is a grace completely foreign to our natural selves, yet an imperative if we will grow and mature in following Jesus and lead others to Him.  To walk in fellowship with God and one another is a call for all Christians, and God help us to joyfully do our part.  True fellowship is only something God can give.  If you are looking for "fellowship" primarily from a church or people, you're looking in the wrong place.  Once you have fellowship with God then you can have fellowship with others, and God will supply genuine koinonia for the church through you.