I continue to hear good things about all that God is doing in our congregation through small groups. I thought I would allude to one question that really exposed some weakness when it comes to fellowship. On p.26 of the chapter “Fellowship Rediscovered,” we have a big box with question #3:
Do you have any habits or heart attitudes that keep you from growing in Christ through fellowship? How about these?
- Because of my heritage, I’m naturally stoic and reserved, so I tend to keep to myself.
- I tried that kind of fellowship once, and I gave a whole lot more than I got, so I tend to keep to myself.
- I was an only child, so I tend to keep to myself.
- My brothers and sisters were the ones always clamoring for attention, so I tend to keep to myself.
- Maybe I’ll go along with this fellowship stuff, as long as somebody else goes first.
In my experience, these are probably as a good a sampling as you’ll find in print of the excuses people use for failing to pursue intimacy. I think we just need to continue what Scripture teaches and embrace fellowship with one another. As we walk in this, it is a bit frightening at times to open up ot others, but we get to experience grace from God in the fellowship He has ordained for us. I hope you are encouraged as you live this out in your life.