Why is it that some believers these days no longer engage in spiritually-focused fellowship? It is incredible and sad to see how Scripture speaks on this matter, and then to observe the conduct of many of Christ’s people.
Paul tells the Corinthians, that the members of Christ “should have the same care one for another.” He says to the Thessalonians, “Edify one another, even as also you do.” He says to the Hebrews, “Exhort one another daily, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” And again, he says, “Consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.”
Brethren, I fear we fall very short of the New Testament Christians in this respect. We are sadly apt to lose sight of edifying one another when we are in the company of believing friends. Prayer, the Word, and godly conversation are not put in the foremost place, and so we separate, being nothing the better, but rather the worse for it. Far too often there is so much coldness, and restraint, and reserve, and backwardness, that a person might imagine we were ashamed of Christ, and that we thought it proper to hold our tongues and not make mention of the name of the Lord.
These things ought not to be. We profess that we are all fighting the same fight — contending with the same enemies — plagued with the same evil hearts — trusting in the same Lord — led by the same Spirit — eating the same bread — journeying towards the same home. Then why should we not show it? Why should we not be always ready to commune with each other?
Why should we not try to help each other forward — to profit by each other’s experience — to bear each other’s burdens — to strengthen each other’s hands — to quicken each other’s hearts — to speak with each other, like Moses and Jethro, of the things pertaining to our King. There is a fault among us here, and one that ought to be amended.
Let us bring out the Bible more when we get together. None of us know it all yet; our brother may have found some pearl in it which has escaped our eyes, and we perhaps may show him something in return. It is the common map by which we all journey; let us not behave as if we each have a private map to be studied in a corner and kept to ourselves. How wonderful it would be if the Word were like a burning fire shut up in our bones, so that we could not contain the urge to speak of it.
Let us speak more often about the eternal home towards which we travel. Children, before their holidays, love to talk of home — their hearts are full, they cannot help it — why should we not?
Surely it is a tragedy if the citizens of heaven say nothing of heaven to those with whom they expect to dwell forever. Therefore, let us aim at closer communion with all true believers. This will go far to procure Christ’s presence with us on our journey.
The two disciples who went to Emmaus were talking of holy things when they were joined by the Lord. Let us speak often with each other, and the Lord will hearken, and remember it. This too will mightily promote the growth and comfort of our souls. The fire within us needs constant stirring, as well as feeding, to keep it bright.
Many can testify that they find Christian fellowship a special means of grace. As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). In fact, even the weakest may sharpen the strongest, just as the whetstone can sharpen the knife. He that tries to promote holiness in others shall reap a blessed reward in his own soul. The one who waters others will surely be watered himself.
Let us, therefore, seek believing friends who will stir up our prayers, our Bible reading, our use of time, and our salvation. Oh, that we may all strive so to walk together in this evil world—that Jesus may often draw near, and go with us, as He went with the two disciples journeying to Emmaus.
— J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)
