As Christians, it is critical that we admit a need for fellowship. We really do need the support and encouragement of one another to bolster us up on our spiritual journey. In the New Testament the word we translate fellowship is the Greek word koinonia, meaning “joint participation.” It literally means “a sense of community” or “a state of having all things in common.” Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica with the express purpose that they might be encouraged during a time of hopelessness and persecution. One of the key components to providing that source of encouragement was Christian fellowship.