"κοινωνία" is a Greek word that is pronounced "koinonia" and it means many things - mostly fellowship of believers... hence, community and communion. The last few weeks, I have been pondering what things are foundational to my life. I have continued to return to these words.
Wikipedia defines κοινωνία as communion by intimate participation. The word is used frequently in the New Testament to descibe the relationship within the early Christian Church as well as the act of breaking bread in the manner which Christ prescribed during the Passover meal [John 6:48-69, Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:24]. As a result the word is used within the Christian Church to participate, as Paul says, in the Communion of - in this manner it identifies the idealised state of fellowship and community that should exist.
We all long to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We all long to be a part of a community. Ideally, we will be autonomous in several communities, so that when one is unavailable, another is ready. While I have a job that I love and I do things that I am proud of, in my core, I identify myself by Christ and my relationships with others. Words can't express how much I love the arms and ears of my friends and families. When I need to be lifted up, held, encouraged I have two places to turn - Jesus and others. Many evangelicals talk about their "personal relationship" with Christ. Yes, a personal relationship is important, but I think we exist inside of communities, in relationships with others, and our relationship with Christ isn't apart from our relationship from others. It's all connected - κοινωνία. While it's important to have a "personal" prayer life, I'm also finding that it is just as important - maybe even more important - to have a corporate spiritual life, in order to stay accountable and grounded. I have a several friends that I count as "safe" - those in whom I can be vulnerable and not worry about their reactions because they point me to Christ and want the best for me. To those of you with whom I feel safe, thank you for fostering that sense of κοινωνία in me. Thank you for treating me as a treasure.
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