I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.

Psalm 119:63 ESV

Given the psalmist’s previous statements that he considers how his ways deviate from God’s testimonies, hastens to obey God’s commandments, devotes himself obedience even when the wicked ensnare him, and rises at midnight to praise the LORD, we should not be surprised to read that he is a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.

Of course, we all ought to be able to say the same, and we can look back at Psalm 1 to understand why. Psalm 1 begins by explicitly warning against keeping company with those who do not fear God. Since blessedness is found in delighting in and meditating upon God’s law, what good can come from dwelling with those who despise God’s righteous rules? Although we may share many likings and hobbies in common with someone, if they do not fear God, then we lack the most basic foundation for companionship. Conversely, a deep, otherworldly companionship will certainly arise between two people who have nothing in common except their absolute devotion to the true and living God.

Indeed, that is the beauty of the church. Whenever the gospel is rightly proclaimed, it becomes a killer of hostilities that exist between people. It does this by placing us all on an equal footing. Regardless of what particular sins a person commits, the gospel declares that everyone is equally condemned before God and that salvation is available to all from the same Savior. Every Christian ought to have these matters in common, which becomes the basis for communion. In Christ, every Christian ought to say with the psalmist that we are companions of all who fear God and keep His precepts.