Fellowship: What is it?

I remember hearing the term fellowship defined as two persons in a ship choosing to row in the same direction. In the Greek text the word κοινωνια (koinonia) is translated in the English text with a variety of word choices such as fellowship, participation, communion, contribution, sharing and etcetera. Why so many English words for one Greek word? The Greek word desires to communicate an idea that takes different English words to convey its meaning when it is used in different contexts. I believe the key ideas conveyed in this word are essential to a Christian having a healthy relationship with God and His Church. Let me take a shot at teaching this idea… Κοινωνια (koinonia) is active participation in multiple relationships. It is sharing all of life without withholding oneself from anyone in the family. It is contributing in every area of another’s need. It is communing in one spirit with a community of one’s choice. The Apostle John writes: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3). Christianity is Κοινωνια (koinonia) with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is fellowshipping with you, participating in the relationship with you, communing with you, sharing all good things with you! Christianity is also Κοινωνια (koinonia) with a local church. We are privileged to choose to actively fellowship, participate, commune, contribute and share with one another as a local family of God.

P.S. I used to think fellowship was another word for a potluck after church.