The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines a fellowship as a "community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience" and "a company of equals or friends." As a verb, to fellowship simply means to spend time with that community or company.

God designed His Church to be a fellowship—not just a community, but a family of brothers and sisters who share God's ideals and beliefs (Ephesians 2:19-22). Our Church brethren can help us improve ourselves—for "as iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17, New Living Translation).

The importance of fellowship in our lives is part of the reason that the people of God are commanded to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25, emphasis added). Every week, on God's Sabbath day, Christians gather together both to hear the Word of God taught and to strengthen each other through fellowship.

Our conversations with our spiritual brothers and sister and the encouragement we share is beneficial to us, can help others and is pleasing to God.

For more information about the Church of God, please read our Bible study aid The Church Jesus Built.