Jewish Christians some 2000 years ago were persecuted by the Roman empire. Life was extremely difficult. What would keep them safe? The apostle wrote:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:24-25).

In the same way, life today is very challenging. There are many things that can discourage or distract us and lead us to make wrong or decisions that displease God. That will bring upon us God’s discipline. The converse is true. When we live right before God, certain decisions may seem unbeneficial or may bring trouble now.  But because they please God, things will work out in such a way as to bring us real and eternal blessings. But what is it that will help or motivate us to walk right before God?

Hebrews 10:24-25 identifies that factor as Christian fellowship. For that reason, it is critical that you attend not only Sunday Worship service, but also fellowship and cell group meetings. This is not simply friends getting together. What is the difference between being with friends and being with Christian friends? First, Jesus says that “for where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matt. 18:20). God’s presence is among Christians when we meet as a group. All who come will receive spiritual blessings because Christian fellowship has God’s favour.

Second, only Christian friends can provide true love. Non-Christian friends have never experienced unconditional love. They do not have the strength to love you unconditionally and truly. Only Christians, though imperfect and weak, are able to love unconditionally because we have received in full measure the unconditional love of Christ. Only Christians can love unconditionally because we are called to self-denial, and hence to love others sacrificially for Christ’s sake.

Third, only Christians can provide true wisdom because we have the Spirit of God: “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Cor 2:12). We are able to understand the things God, and thus able to tell others true wisdom. In fact, even a person who has never gone to school but is a Christian, is wiser than the most knowledgeable professor. We have true wisdom because only we can truly understand the Bible which contains everything that is necessary for a victorious life (2 Tim 3:16-17):

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

But you must not doubt the life giving power of the fellowship and cell groups. I urge you: open your heart to your brothers and sisters-in-Christ. Join in the activities. Above all, love them because they love you too, because we all are the children of the same Heavenly Father. Then you will grow spiritually and life will be much more joyful.