Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.

(Acts 2:46, NIV)

A new preacher once loaded up his car with his large family and drove out to visit an old deacon on his farm. After the friendly introductions were made, things got a little awkward. The family looked around the living room and noticed only two chairs.

Trying to break the silence, the preacher smiled and said, “Brother, I don’t believe you have enough chairs.”

The old man grunted, “That ain’t it — I’ve got plenty of chairs. Just too much company!”

That story acknowledges something we’ve all probably seen before. Some folks, even within the church, prefer to keep their distance. Whether it’s shyness, busyness, or just not wanting to be bothered, the result is the same — fellowship takes a back seat.

But God didn’t design the Christian life to be lived solo. We need each other. Life is hard, and it’s always harder when we try to go it alone. That’s why God gave us the church — not just a building or a Sunday schedule, but a family.

The early church understood this. Acts 2:46 tells us they met every day, shared meals, and worshiped together with joyful, sincere hearts. They leaned on each other, laughed together, prayed for one another, and walked side by side in faith.

Fellowship isn’t just a warm, fuzzy idea. It’s a lifeline. When you’re discouraged, a fellow Christian’s word can lift you. When you’re doubting, someone’s testimony can rekindle your faith. When you’re rejoicing, it’s sweeter to share it with people who understand why. God knew we would need that kind of community.

So maybe it’s time to ask: Do I make room for others in my life?  Am I carving out space — not just in my calendar, but in my heart — for my brothers and sisters in Christ?

You don’t have to host a banquet.  Start small.  Send a text.  Share a meal.  Offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement.  And yes — make sure you’ve got enough chairs ready, just in case.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of Christian fellowship. Help me to make space for others in my life. Teach me to be an encourager and to draw strength from the community you’ve placed around me.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day