Chapter 18, “Purpose Driven Life” “EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER”
I appreciated being assigned Chapter 18 of “Purpose Driven Life,” because it taught me that “size” matters. You can worship with a crowd, but you cannot “fellowship” with one. The title is, “Experiencing Life Together.” The main focus is sharing life together, which the Bible calls “fellowship.” It goes on to talk about fellowship within the church and how being a part of a large group is Ok, but it can sometimes be fake/superficial. In a crowd you may get caught into going “in the order of the service,” and although it has its place, forming small groups is significant. It is important to be a part of a smaller group because you can be authentic, genuine, and have gut-level conversation. It goes on to read, Christians need to be a part of a smaller group within the Church.
When I read Chapter 18, I thought about 4 Christian ladies that belong to my church,who are very dear and special to me, and how I admire their “fellowship.” I feel so esteemed when I witness the friendship and care they have for one another and how they have been friends since I first came to my church. Their relationship is exactly what Rick Warren is describing in his book! These Christian sister-friends are for the most part, inseparable and it is something that is encouraged and recommended in this book. I now realize it is important to establish a smaller group within the church to fellowship with. For years, I have been a part of a group of women that at one point was about 15 strong! It was cool, but I found myself sometimes lost in the mist of them. Jesus ministered to a small group of 12 disciples. He could have chosen more, I am sure, but he wanted everyone to participate. He confirmed it in the Bible, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their mist.” Now do not get me wrong when I say, only smaller groups are authentic, because there have been occasions when the Holy Spirit moved on entire congregations, however there are times when one is afraid to reveal how they really feel in the mist of larger groups. Rick Warren goes on to highlight 4 key elements when involved in smaller groups – you experience mutuality – giving and receiving. There are times within larger groups, I gave so much of my time, my efforts, my love – and was rejected, mislead and unloved. After reading this chapter, maybe I expected too much from too many people. My focus should have been on building smaller reciprocal relationships, that could have branched out into larger relationships. People experience sympathy –entering in and sharing the pain of others. Sympathy or the lack thereof, can be expressed in larger or smaller groups, however, every time you understand and affirm someone’s feelings, you build fellowship. People experience mercy - forgiveness. God’s mercy toward us, should be the motivation for us to show mercy towards others, however that is not always the case. You can display forgiveness and mercy within a larger group but, sitting down having heartfelt conversations about mercy, forgiveness, and grace at times, have a deeper more meaningful outcome. Sometimes people may not understand why people form smaller groups within a congregation, they may feel they are separating themselves, however they are totally appropriate, they are doing what God considered, fellowship! I admire the fellowship and friendship that the 4 ladies share from my church and wish I had the same. When writing my summary to this chapter in draft, I mentioned the word “jealous” of such a beautiful friendship they share. Then I thought about it and…”no” that is not the term I meant because I love them and the fellowship they share! It was confirmed to me this morning not to use the “j” word in my writing because shortly after, I received scripture from 2 Reverends from my church, denouncing “envy,” so I “thank the Holy Spirit,” for clearing up any confusion someone else reading this summary may have. Actually, I truly “admire,” “marvel” and appreciate their friendship, because not only do they share a beautiful bond and friendship, the love they have for one another radiates to others including me! I had a Wedding Affirmation celebration back on November 15, 2015 and all 4 were right there with me celebrating, dancing and enjoying this very special memorable occasion with me! In addition, my family threw me a surprise party the other week, and as I rounded the corner, and heard “surprise!!!” 3 of the ladies were the 1st to appear among crowd to wish me happy birthday! It made my heart so happy to see them! Thus, this is what I consider, true “fellowship.”
Verse to Remember: "Share each other's trouble and problems,
and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
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