Though the Apostle Paul didn’t know many of the believers in Rome personally, he knew being with them would encourage him both in his striving for the Gospel and in his refreshment. In fellowship we have an incredible capacity to do both.

Kindness is a virtue not often enough considered, but it remains central to what Christianity is all about. Kindness is one of the purest forms of the imitation of God.

How do we engage in powerful fellowship in those moments when more is needed of us than we feel equipped to give? We practice. We do the work of art. We practice the art of fellowship every day.

Burden-bearing is spiritual work.  It is not one we do because we are strong, but because we are weak.  It is not something we undertake because of our wisdom, but because of our foolishness.  And in it we have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of seeing God at work in us and through us.

If the preserving refuge of God includes the fellowship of the saints, and if that fellowship is meant to bring us delight, what specifically is it about fellowship with God’s people that brings us this joy?

Poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti said, “The worst moment for an atheist is when he is truly thankful, but has no one to thank.” For the Christian, not only do we have Someone to thank, we also have a place to offer thanks where we experience the “Amen” of the fellowship of the saints. What a kindness this is—a daily mercy!