Ivan continues to share about the importance of friendship in his life. God created us for friendship and fellowship, but sometimes, friendships are tough. This is second of a two part post from Ivan, and the fifth post in our series ‘Community and Fellowship’.
“20’My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23).
We know how Christian fellowship is to be different from the world. That the love we show to each other should set us apart like “stars in a warped and crooked generation” (Phil 2:15).
But why did God create the idea of fellowship? Why didn’t He just anoint a few preachers to go out into the world and spread the gospel? The gospel is a message that can be communicated through the written and spoken word. But it is also a message that should be lived out in the love and actions we show one another.
Within the Church
The words Jesus uses in John 17 are powerful words.
Jesus and the Father are part of the Trinity. They are distinct personalities, yet they are one. This close intimacy and bond is one we can only dream of. Yet it is the same intimacy Jesus prayed for the Church to have.
Unfortunately, for many people, faith is about appearing righteous—and sharing can only go skin deep when we are trying to build ourselves up. Love is built on honesty, vulnerability and trust.
God knew that things would be tough. And He did not intend for us to struggle alone. One may be defeated easily, but two can defend themselves. A triple braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecc 4:12).
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
Start in your own groups. Love deeply, and truly. Talk not just about studies or games. Talk about your sins, your families: for that is where God’s grace shines the brightest.
That the world may know
Fellowship is the gospel in action.
Amy Carmichael, an Irish Christian was born into a comfortable home, with many siblings and loving parents. Yet she abandoned her own world for another. Devoting her life to missionary work in India, Amy said this: “He said ‘Love…as I have loved you.’ We cannot love too much.”
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12).
I remember a friend who came to Christ not for the sermons or worship, but it began with the warmth she felt in the youth group she had been invited to.
The love we have received is not just for Christians, or for encouragement in exam periods. It must pour forth, to touch the lives of others, and to bring them life in Jesus.
Parting Gift
The Church today has quite a bit to work on till we reach the selfless generosity, and sharing of everything as seen in the Acts Church (Acts 2:42-47).
But we must not give up on the importance of fellowship.
Church is more than community. It is a family, fueled by the love of the cross, united as Jesus and the Father are one. It isn’t easy to talk about our sins, or to share our possessions with others. Loving others genuinely is not always an easy way to live life. But it is the only way to live.
And we are never alone.
Written by Ivan
Ivan loves sleeping, and resting in the presence of the Father. Relatively new to BASIC, Ivan is immensely grateful for the warmth he has found among brothers and sisters in the faith. He is always down for a chat about anything, with anyone, especially over non-diary bubble tea and frozen grapes.
Photo Credit: Social Media Team B