People enjoy all those occasions when gathered together to just sit down, have the conversation flow, and share in a good meal.  Many do this from time to time in their homes as the opportunity arises.  Engaging in meaningful fellowship in a relaxed manner is truly enjoyable and very uplifting especially for those who live alone.  We learn about our common bonds -- this great love of ours -- God's way of life.  We also learn about our diversities and the way God has worked in our lives.   We provide encouragement and edification when needed and listen attentively and respectfully when others discuss various trials, all the while deepening the bonds that strengthen our unity.   The exercise of iron sharpening iron is also most welcome (Proverbs 27:17).

We may not be able to cook confidently, have a place to call our own to invite others over to, and some may even be relatively shy in organizing a get together.  These are all potential barriers but they needn't be.  All that is needed is willingness, a heart that is striving to please God, and a little planning.  Let's look at just one of the marvelous examples set by Jesus Christ which is provided for us in the Bible in John 21:1-14.

Breakfast By The Sea

After a long night of being at sea those disciples present had empty nets.  They had caught no fish at all.  They were tired and weary and most likely would have enjoyed a good feed followed by a much needed sleep.  Instead they were instructed to "Cast the net over the right side of the boat, and you will find some" (John 21:6).  They did so and discovered they were able to catch a multitude of fish.   What a difference!  They initially had nothing to show for a night of fishing but when they listened to Jesus Christ and did as He said, they found that they had a great abundance.

Once again Jesus impressed upon his followers the importance of attending to others' needs rather than be concerned about our own.  He fed them that day with physical food but the greater message for the future was that of supplying spiritual food freely to anyone who would come and eat (John 6:51).

Providing Meaningful Nourishment in Unity

We all have different tastes and different foods we like to eat and different places to go to enjoy these meals.  Some of us may enjoy dining out in restaurants more than others.  Some will not eat out at restaurants on the Sabbath.  Some may find it expensive.  Some may actually prefer their own home cooking as they know exactly what's in the food for ingestion.  Some may have food allergies and sensitivities which make dining out problematic and of considerable effort.  Nevertheless, we all need to eat food and we all like to eat something thoughtfully prepared for the Sabbath as we have time to sit, relax, share, and converse with family and brethren.  

Looking at Jesus Christ's example, we see that He was outdoors when He had breakfast at the beach with His disciples.  This tells us that Jesus appreciated His Father's creation and enjoyed being out there with His followers.  There are many accounts of Jesus being out and about amongst the people, and instances where he physically and spiritually nourished thousands.  He enjoyed the simple effort of making something tasty and nourishing.  Cooking barbequed fish and bread over the fire of coals must have been a delicious hearty meal to eat.  Likewise we can make a simple meal to share with others of like mind while reconnecting or developing relationships.

If we have opportunity to get together with brethren on the Sabbath why not be especially mindful of others and esteem them better than oneself?  (Philippians 2:1-4)  We are admonished to do so.  A good start would be to have those concerned who enjoy getting together to pack a picnic basket and this could mean cooking or buying foods on the Preparation Day during the week.  If there is much travel involved and it is too difficult to get everyone to share in a meal in someone's home, then why not meet at a nearby park or even at the beach for those who live locally.  In many areas there is a variety to choose from and many have barbeques with covered eating areas, playgrounds and clean facilities.  This caters to all tastes including our young children who would struggle and not particularly enjoy the restaurant experience.   It just takes a little preparation and planning together with thoughtfulness.   Jesus was all-inclusive so let's follow that perfect example and purpose this in our hearts to gather all together so that there is no division or separation (Romans 12:9-16; John 17:21; John 13:34-35).

Breathing in fresh air, smelling the plants and trees, listening to the pleasant chirping of the birds and dining with others of like mind in God's creation is a great joy to share in.    Planning and preparing the sustenance ourselves gives added depth of meaning to caring, sharing, and loving our beloved brethren with that priceless agape love that is given by God our Father.  Eating restaurant food, as lovely as it may be, pales in comparison because there is no real effort involved, no sacrifice of our time in preparing tasty delights to share with our spiritual family.   We are here now not to be served but to serve just like our older brother Jesus the Christ.  Let's remain humble and take a lesson from the scripture found in Luke 22:24-30.