Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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WALKING IN FELLOWSHIP


Rev. P.M. Thomas (Retd),
Epiphany MTC, NY

Vs.7: "But if we walk in the light, as he is  in the light, we have fellowship with one another."


Three  things are highlighted here; a relationship, a fellowship and a joy that follows. John is talking about that unique fellowship which is the possession of only those who share life in Jesus Christ. There is a vertical dimension of Christian life which has been established between the believer and God.  Also there is a horizontal dimension  to the Christian life, our relationship with fellow believers.  When we receive Christ as our Savior, we are brought into fellowship  not only with the Father but also with all fellow believers.  Fellowship  is a level  beyond relationship. Salvation is being in the family of God. But fellowship is being in relationship with God.

Fellowship comes from the Greek word' Koinonia' which indicates association, communion, joint participation, contact, rapport, sharing and partnership.  The word fellowship means the experience of a quality of life that operates  same as God's will. Fellowship with God is getting along with God  and enjoying His presence  and be a blessing in our life.  The greatness of God, the wisdom , the power, the glory of His might  all are made available to you and me when we make ourselves available to Him.

When we can have fellowship with God, then we have the third thing that John mentions ; that our joy may be full. According to verse 7 when we walk in the light we can have fellowship with one another.  Our fellowship with one another is drawn from our friendship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  If we have fellowship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can have fellowship with one another.

Christian life starts with a relationship with Christ. Fellowship is experiencing Christ daily.  Relationship is accepting Christ. Fellowship is experiencing His presence daily. One can never have fellowship until one has established relationship but one can have  relationship without fellowship.  That is what John's letter emphasizes.  Relationship put us in the family of God and the fellowship permits the life of the family to shine through us.  Relationship is one possessing God, fellowship is God possessing one.  The inheritance of fellowship is a higher calling.

PRAYER

Lord help us to walk in the light and have fellowship with each other. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The greatest miracle of Christianity is Christ.

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