Fellowship

When it comes to enjoying fellowship with others, as Christians we must remember that intimate fellowship is dependent upon each individual’s personal relationship with the Lord. I was reminded of this while reading and thinking about the life of Joseph. Before he was sold as a slave by his own brothers, there was a major wedge that prohibited fellowship between Joseph and the other sons of Jacob. This wedge consisted of jealousy and hatred on the part of the other brothers and most likely pride on the part of Joseph.

It was not until both parties were humbled that fellowship was not only possible…it was DESIRED!

“And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me…”  Genesis 45:4

“…come down unto me, tarry not”  Genesis 45:9

“…thou shalt be near unto me…”  Genesis 45:10

“Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.”  Genesis 45:15  

When there is a breach in our relationship with a family member or friend, we must first look into the mirror and make sure our relationship with the Lord is what it should be. Next, we must look at our part in the relationship with the other individual. Have we done all that the Lord would have us do? Maybe our part consists of humbling ourselves with an apology. Or, maybe our part is continuing to pray for that individual’s salvation or restoration from a backslidden condition.

The bottom line is this – true, intimate fellowship is always broken by sin. And, until sin is confessed to God, there will be a strained, superficial relationship at best.

Are there people in your life with which you long for close fellowship? I know it can be heart-breaking. But, if you have done all you need to do, don’t “beat yourself up” because of the breach that is there. The ball is in their court. They must make the move toward God. Until then, continue to pray for them while enjoying the new family you have – the family of God!

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” I John 1:5-7