Koinonia

“Friends are coming to talk about something,” we told our kids last Sunday evening.

“How long will it take?” they curiously asked. “We want to watch that movie.”

“I don’t think it will take more than 30 minutes,” I guessed.

Half an hour past and the girls got antsy so I started the movie for them. Before we knew it, the movie was done and it was bedtime. They came down to chat and say good night. After tucking the kids in, our friends were still there. It was about 10:45 when someone looked at the time and decided we probably should all be heading to bed ourselves.

Then someone asked a simple question.

It didn’t take long before someone’s tears of sadness came out. The “not yet” I shared about last week. The tears of grief so compositionally different than other types of tears that they can destroy contact lenses. They flowed out in the presence of loving witnesses. Observing the soul-cleansing act, I marveled at the beauty of koinonia.

Strong’s dictionary defines the Greek word koinonia as: partnership, participation, fellowship, benefaction

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon’s definition of koinonia is: community, communion, joint participation

That’s exactly what happened that night. Participation and partnership in pain. We sprinkled some of that “good cure” but for the most part we committed to sharing each other’s heartaches. Let’s face it, life sometimes throws at us unbearably heavy loads. And we’ve been given a beautiful design called community. What a precious gift to have one another.

It was 1:09a.m. when we all exchanged a long hug, each one saying a sincere, “I love you.”

We all knew each one meant it because it’s backed by a history of koinonia, sharing together in the joys of life, the pain, and everything in between.

I dragged myself out of bed Monday morning for a scheduled early call. Finite in energy, we all know sleep deprivation is neither healthy nor sustainable, but I considered the lack of sleep that day worth it. I wouldn’t have missed the goodness and depth of community for a few more hours of sleep.

I’m still amazed at the exquisite design of koinonia. It’s no wonder we’re told:

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share [koinonia], for God is pleased with such sacrifices. (Hebrews 13:16)

Please reach out if you feel alone in your suffering. You might be surprised just how many consider it an honor to share your burdens.

Suffering is inevitable.

Suffering alone is optional.

May you experience the joy of koinonia.