The New Testament word for “fellowship,” koinonia, expresses the idea of being together for mutual benefit. Hebrews 10:24-25 shares this idea, saying, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Reasons for fellowship with other believers is  because it helps us express love to one another, gives us an opportunity to pray together, share our lives together, and it encourages good works.

Praise refocuses our minds on God and connects our hearts with His. Through praise, we can become aware of His presence. When we praise we are reminded of what He has done, recalling past provision and thus strengthening our hope for future provision. Squaring our hope and dependence upon God, praise helps to expel fear and anxiety, placing the attention on His ability and faithfulness.
We were created to praise Him, and the fulfillment and joy that comes when we live out what we were created to do, is second to none!

God commanded that his people encourage each other because he knows we need it. In the Gospel of John, Jesus warned that “in this world you will have trouble,” which he then followed with a much-needed encouragement: “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Biblical encouragement isn’t focused on complimenting someone’s haircut or telling them how good their homemade salsa tastes. Encouragement is shared with the hopes that it will lift someone’s heart toward the Lord (Col. 4:8). It points out evidence of grace in another’s life to help them see that God is using them. It points a person to God’s promises that assure them that all they face is under his control.