Fellowship: Supernatural Bonding

Christian fellowship exists only from God the Father, through Jesus the Son, by and in the Spirit, an established relation, a "new covenant" of grace with the body of Christ followers. Therefore, those who believe in the gospel of the resurrection are united in the Spirit through the Son to the Father: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10.

This new established relation leads to the reality of a relatedness (united and joined) experienced relationship, a "communion" between man and God: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.” Colossians 2:13.

Those who are followers of Jesus Christ are in communion with Him, and the Father, in the Spirit but also with one another. This relatedness, relationship, and communion therefore is fellowship: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

Christian fellowship is a practical reality. We cannot practice all of Jesus’ commands by ourselves. We need other people to be obedient Jesus followers. We need fellowship with other followers to grow. We are co-workers in Christ: “Love one another” John 13:34. “Serve one another” Galatians 5:13. “Be patient with one another” Mark 9:50. “Accept one another” Romans 15:7. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” Ephesians 4:32. “Do not speak against one another” James 4:11. “Confess your sins to one another” James 5:16. 

Fellowship is needed, therefore required. Based on the encouragement which is in Christ, the comfort which comes from the unity that comes by and in the Spirit, and the kindness and gentleness from Christ-like followers, we are commanded to live a certain way. We are to live in love and harmony, not only because of natural friendship for one another, but because of our divine responsibilities as members of the household of God. Fellowship is supernatural bonding, with Christ as the foundation. This is why Paul's appeal for unity begins by focusing upon relationship in Christ, not relationship towards one another:

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2.