Many can testify that they find Christian fellowship a special means of grace. As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). In fact, even the weakest may sharpen the strongest, just as the whetstone can sharpen the knife. He that tries to promote holiness in others shall reap a blessed reward in his own soul. 

Why is it that some believers these days no longer engage in spiritually-focused fellowship? It is incredible and sad to see how Scripture speaks on this matter, and then to observe the conduct of many of Christ’s people.

Paul tells the Corinthians, that the members of Christ “should have the same care one for another.” He says to the Thessalonians, “Edify one another, even as also you do.” He says to the Hebrews, “Exhort one another daily, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” And again, he says, “Consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.”

Brethren, I fear we fall very short of the New Testament Christians in this respect. We are sadly apt to lose sight of edifying one another when we are in the company of believing friends. Prayer, the Word, and godly conversation are not put in the foremost place, and so we separate, being nothing the better, but rather the worse for it. Far too often there is so much coldness, and restraint, and reserve, and backwardness, that a person might imagine we were ashamed of Christ, and that we thought it proper to hold our tongues and not make mention of the name of the Lord.

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