There was a high-level police officer who used to go to a church where mostly not educated, poor, and downtrodden people gathered. His wife and two children used to sit on the floor and enjoy the church life. Indeed, he was delighted to be there. King David wrote: “As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” (Psalms 16:3) Christian fellowship should be delight, peace, and joy. Sadly, this kind of fellowship has become rare.
Delight and Diligent: David esteemed, valued, and delighted in the fellowship with the people of God. Yes, others were fragile humans with failures, embarrassment, and sometimes unloving characteristics. Delight comes from diligence in nurturing, caring, and sharing with others. It is a proactive trait of a believer.
Envy: Fellowship cannot flourish if there is envy and jealousy. Cain was envious and angry, as Abel’s sacrifice was accepted. (Genesis 4) Saul could not accept the fact that the people of Israel gave ten times more credit to a teenager David. (I Samuel 18:9) The religious leaders handed over the Lord for crucifixion because of envy which Pontius Pilate could recognize. (Matthew 27:18) Barnabas was not envious of Paul, instead, he allowed him to take a leading role in the missionary journey.
Angry: A prophet was angry and envious that God used a younger prophet in his hometown. He made the true prophet believe in his seducing words, to eat and dine with him. Sadly, the undiscerning young prophet was killed by a lion for his foolishness. (I Kings 13:11-25)
Mary-Martha likes rivalry: There is sometimes rivalry in the method and strategy for ministry. Martha believed that the physical needs of the Lord Jesus and disciples were the priority. Mary decided to listen to His words, that was a rare opportunity. She did not want to miss that once-in-a-lifetime privilege. (Luke 10:42) However, the Lord commended Mary for making the right choice.
Right focus: Delightful fellowship is where people are edified, grow, cared and nurtured, instead of being judged and condemned.
Do I delight in fellowship with the people of God?