The apostle John, in his treatise concerning godly fellowship, clearly identified the intended consequence of penning what he penned in the Book of 1 John, “…that ye also may have fellowship with us” (1:3). He noted that not everyone who affirms that he or she is in fellowship with God speaks the truth (1:6). In his efforts to promote godly fellowship, he affirmed that such fellowship is attained and maintained conditionally (1:7) and that specific spiritual blessings will be received and enjoyed while in godly fellowship (1:7). I trust that these declarations motivate every child of God to exercise fellowship with other children of God and to also make noteworthy efforts to maintain this fellowship through the trials of the Christian life.
The biblical fellowship entertained in these remarks is both a doctrinal matter and a practical matter. Yes, the Bible teaches us concerning godly fellowship (1 John 1:3-7; Ephesians 5:11), thus influencing children of God to ponder what we can do from day to day to practically enhance this fellowship in our daily lives, whether such is applied to those in our congregation or to other faithful children of God more distant. Accordingly, we ask, “What may we do to draw closer in fellowship with others in the body of Christ?” The brief answer that follows is not exhaustive but does include some practical suggestions that may assist any congregation as we seek to maintain the strength of godly fellowship. In answering this inquiry, I suggest that we may:
- Maintain doctrinal integrity in biblical matters within all the area congregations. The requirement of this election is biblical (1 Timothy 1:3). When doctrinal integrity is maintained among fellow Christians, each child of God possesses an identical spiritual foundation from whence to launch his spiritual ship of state. Unity of fellowship is thus preserved.
- Work side-by-side with other children of God in spiritual activities. That we are to be active in the Lord’s vineyard is biblically supported (Titus 2:14). When we work on joint biblically approved projects together in an intimate setting, we naturally draw closer to one another and our fellowship is both exercised and strengthened.
- Forgive others and oneself as the Word of God so directs. Surely, we understand that people of God must exercise forgiveness according to divine terms (Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 17:3-4). Timely forgiveness of another prevents such a matter from promoting division among brethren and avoids unnecessary hurt being inflicted on another, hurt which will damage relationships in the context of fellowship.
- Create opportunities for fellow Christians to enjoy meaningful experiences together. Such experiences may involve a measure of creative thinking, but the effort will be worth it as the results are measured. Simply put, the more that fellow Christians spend quality time together, the more likely they will bond more strongly together as the family of God. Families do things together in a quality manner for quality results.
- Build and improve Christian relationships with as many faithful children of God as possible. We should never be satisfied with failed relationships. Rather, may we invest a measure of diligence in any relationship with another child of God that has been damaged or is failing so that the relationship has the best opportunity of being maintained in a quality manner. Quality efforts in this arena often make it possible to withstand forces that otherwise may not be withstood, thereby avoiding a fracturing of the congregation of the people of God.
- Remove sin from the camp of spiritual Israel (1 Corinthians 5), thereby protecting the purity of the body of Christ. Though a delicate matter, faithful Christians can do this in accord with Scripture, in a timely manner and with divinely approved intent. When sin is allowed to go unchallenged in the camp of Israel and is allowed to be as yeast in the unleavened lump of Israel, the fellowship of God will be turned into a fellowship of evil (Ephesians 5:11). Unapproved things will occur in the camp of Israel when we allow sin to go unchecked in the context of fellowship.
“What will you decide to do in the near future so that the fellowship of God’s people is strengthened?”
