Underrated

2 Corinthians 1:15-16 ESV

“Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and come back to you from Macedonia…”

Romans 1:11 ESV

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

“Are you going to make it to the State Championships this year?” Was the question from my card mate. We were playing at a tournament in June and making small talk. The conversation goes about the same every time. I mention I am from Lincoln and am asked about the tournament in Beloit. Every year the Kansas State Disc Golf Championship is held in Beloit Kansas. They have reduced it from four rounds over two days down to three rounds over two days. It is always in late July and therefore very hot. I mention/remind them that the tournament is a two-day tournament and get the “oh, yea” realizing that I am busy on Sunday. I have gotten the “take a vacation day” comment before as well. At the time I poo pooed this with a comment about family not appreciating me using our vacation to play a tournament, looking back I think an opportunity was missed.

A few weeks back I read 2 Corinthians chapter 1. In it Paul makes the statement that he wanted the Corinthians to receive “a second experience of grace”, I had to wonder what this meant. How do we get “more grace” ? Is Paul planning on laying hands again on them, a second time getting the Holy Spirit? Obviously, this isn’t what he was thinking then what was he wanting to give? Simply put, his presence. The joy of Christian fellowship was what he was referencing. The pleasure of sitting around a meal discussing the things of God, laughing, and enjoying a gentle ribbing, with kids being silly all around. I came to this conclusion for two reasons. The first being Paul’s letter to the Romans and the second being why his plans changed.

In our day the first Chapter of Romans is pointed regularly because of the fall of humanity as seen in the homosexual acts in the second half of chapter one. The first half is what plays into our conversation today. As he is explaining his longing to visit the Romans, he references a “spiritual gift to strengthen you” and explains that he is referencing the mutual encouragement that comes when brothers and sisters gather. The gathering and what is given and shared with each other is considered by Paul to be a “Spiritual Gift.” He is not referencing prophecy, tongues, or healings, but simply gathering and encouraging each other in Romans chapter 1. The gathering is a spiritual gift. The second reason I consider the “second experience of grace” to be fellowship, is that Paul chose not to change his plans and not visit because he says “I made up my mind not to make another painful visit”. (2 Cor 2:1) So the visit was not going to be pleasant because of all the issues he would have to address and clean up, therefore, he chose not to come. My point being that the fellowship with the saints was seen by Paul as an “experience of grace” that was to be longed for.

Our view of what we do Sunday and when we gather throughout the week needs to become more biblical. When it becomes biblical it then needs to be explained to those who don’t understand. I say an opportunity was missed with the gentleman above because I allowed the current lie about the importance of family to be the reason I wasn’t going to attend, knowing he would understand that. (I do say lie because family is often raised to idolatrous levels in our society at the moment, trumping Christ and his bride, the church.) Why not allow him to know that there is no sweeter time than Sunday morning at church? Why not allow him to hear of the spiritual gift I receive when I am around my brothers and sisters every Sunday morning? Why not speak of the “experience of grace” I am given when my adoptive family forsakes other commitments and activities to sing songs, read scripture, and teach me?

Fellowship is something that needs done regularly and often to be sweet. Thanksgiving and Christmas with my parents and siblings is sweet, but when it is only once or twice a year, “on your best behavior” reigns. Christian Fellowship is to be regular so it can be sweet and of depth. When you meet 1-3 times a week for extended periods of time it is hard to keep the front up. Yes, my kids misbehave, I lose my temper, sometimes I simply am melancholy, it is hard to hide when you are regularly with each other. When there aren’t places to go, and too many people around, and the half hearted “okay” you were given before church can be pursued.

Coram Deo