“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11 ESV)

Everybody needs encouragement now and then, and according to the Bible, we get and give that when we meet together. A simple definition for fellowship is “more than one fellow together in the same ship.” Exhortation, often known as the gift of encouragement, is one of the spiritual gifts. Everybody knows and loves people who have this gift. They are always saying positive and encouraging things to others to build them up. As you enter church, you'll usually find some of them acting as greeters. They are often hired by companies like Walmart and Costco to greet people as they arrive because they thrive and shine in those kinds of jobs. They make excellent receptionists and public relations personnel. Despite not having this gift, you can learn to encourage. Start by greeting others with a smile and complimenting them on something positive, such as a beautiful shirt or nice dress, their smile, their personality, or their kindness.

Fellowship is encouraging one another

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:25 ESV)

Fellowship is proclaiming what you have seen and heard with one another

“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3 ESV)

Fellowship is sharpening one another up

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17 ESV)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24 ESV)

Fellowship is enjoying the presence of God together

 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matt. 18:20 ESV)

Fellowship is walking in the light together

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 ESV) 

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42 ESV)

Fellowship defined

The dictionary definition: The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms. Friendship; comradeship. A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.

Another simple definition: Fellowship is more than one fellow in the same ship.

Why Christian fellowship is important

“That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.” (Heb. 1:12 ESV)

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17 ESV)

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2 ESV)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccles. 4:9-12 ESV)

How to have fellowship

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25 ESV) 

Warning about fellowship with darkness

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14 ESV)

“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6 ESV)

Fellowship With God

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:9 ESV)

“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3 ESV)

Therefore

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14 ESV)