During this semester of WNA, I have shared with the youth about the word koinonia. This is a Greek word and in the New Testament, it’s usually translated as “fellowship.” Fellowship is a word we use often in church to describe some of our social gatherings. Most churches have a room called a Fellowship Hall (aka as the Donut Room at St. Luke’s). But koinonia is more than just fellowship as an event or place to get together. It’s a deeper fellowship that describes a unity among those who follow God. It’s this deep community fellowship that expresses not only what we do and participate in together, but something more. Our koinonia fellowship doesn’t happen without our connection to God. As we connect to Jesus, we can also connect to each other!
This is so important to realize now, in this time that we have limited connections. We might want to say that we cannot really have fellowship anymore because we are not together in person. But I think if we see that koinonia – this deep community fellowship happens not because we get together, but because we are connected through faith – then we can continue to experience koinonia! Our church and many churches are looking to create moments and opportunities for connection. So, no matter what, even when we’re not able to have these moments in person like we used to, we’re still connected and can experience that fellowship that God intends for us. I want you to know – you are not alone. We are connected to God and we are also connected to each other!
It may be easier right now to be self-focused. You may have feelings of disappointment, worries, fears, or anger that can be overwhelming. And while all of those feelings are valid and real – if we only focus on ourselves and our personal woes, we might miss out on an opportunity. To truly understand and live our koinonia connection, it is important to think about each other. There are several different “one another” statements in the Bible to help us understand what it means to live in koinonia fellowship. Meditate on a few of these today.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10
Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13b
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
– Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry
