The believers shared a common purpose, and every day they spent much of their time together in the Temple area. They also ate together in their homes. They were happy to share their food and ate with joyful hearts.

I had a great family when I was growing up. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still great! I just remember fondly the joyful times we had when I was a kid with my brothers, my sister, and my parents. The most wonderful times were when we were seated around the dining room table. Dinner at 6:00pm in the Cornett house was not to be missed! We told stories. We laughed so hard that we cried on occasion. We ate wonderful food (shout out to my mom!) and just had the best times. They were times of fellowship and family that brought immense joy.

In the book of Acts, we read about the family of God. The first followers of Jesus in Jerusalem were a family. They did what families do. They spent time together and shared with one another. They worshiped and ate together in their homes. Our verse of the day says that, “they were happy to share their food and ate with joyful hearts.” Their joy was infectious. In the next verse (vs. 47), Luke points out that they “were respected by all the people.”

When you look at the church today, what do you see? Do you see a family atmosphere where people spend time together and eat together? Do you see the joy of fellowship and family? It seems like we’re all in such a hurry to check off a box on Sunday morning that we don’t have time to experience the true joy of being part of a church family. Being a church family requires an investment of our time.

When I was growing up at the dinner table, we were rarely in a rush to finish the meal because the fellowship of family was so sweet. Let’s not forget that the true fellowship of family brings real joy.

Our lives will be richer for it and our joy will overflow and be infectious. Let’s eat!

By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, United States