WHY it matters//

The Bible describes the relationship between God’s family, the church, with the word koinonia. This is the word that we get fellowship from. The basic meaning of this word is to be as committed to Jesus as we are to one another. The word community is easily thrown around and applied very lightly to all types of groups of people… but what does it really mean? To be a community means much more than enjoying the same activities or being in the same stage of life. The standard for koinonia seems to be a high one, but it’s worth pursuing if we really want God’s version of community.

WHAT it's talking about//

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter in the early 60’s AD. Although this is a short letter it speaks to the conduct and duties of Christians in various aspects of life. This is a circulatory letter, meaning it is meant to be read in various churches. This is a time of increasing persecution in the Roman empire and Peter is instructing the church on how they should treat and support one another.

1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.