As the Apostle Paul made his way to the city of Rome as a prisoner of the Roman government, the Bible tells us that in the distance he could see a small group of his Christian brethren approaching him and the contingent of soldiers and prisoners. It was a refreshing sight to his eyes. The journey had been long and excruciating, fraught with danger and even disaster. But a good ways off he could faintly at first make out the figures of brethren who knew that he was coming and were clearly delighted to see him. Acts 28:15 says “they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.”

The sight of our Christian friends ought always to have this effect upon us, just as it did on the weathered and well-worn apostle. To be able to delight ourselves in the company of those who are of “like precious faith” is a wonderful experience that should make our eyes light up and our hearts rejoice. The world may be perpetually at war with us, but we should be at peace with those whom we love in Christ Jesus. Their company should be sought out whenever it is possible.

Those who complain about midweek services, and even about Sunday evening gatherings, need to take a good look in the mirror. Do you experience the kind of joy that Paul felt when his brethren approached on that tiresome road to old Rome? If not, why not? The Lord has blessed you to live another day. Too, he has presented you with a chance to gather with the saints of God and hymn the praises of the One who loved us and redeemed us from our sins through his precious blood.

True fellowship is not what so many in our day think that it is. It is not eating and drinking and partying with the “Christian crowd.” It is about sharing in the good things of the gospel, and serving the Lord in “spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). It is about shared worship and common service in the kingdom of God, just as it was in the second chapter of the book of Acts (Acts 2:42).

When we gather in Christian assembly, not having seen our Christian friends in a while, perhaps even a short while, the very sight of them should bring a smile to our face and we ought to greet them beaming. It should cause us to “thank God and take courage” in the strength of godly companions who will help us on our way to the Heavenly Home.

If this is not the way we see it, we need to do some soul-searching. The very sight of them should cause us to thank God. And the joy of their companionship should make us take courage. That is the way it should be. That is the way it is for me. I hope that is the way it is for you also.