The Calvary Road #4 – The Way of Fellowship

When people make themselves the center of life, they are in a disconnect mode with God and others. Turning away from God “to our own way” (Isaiah 53:6), our world becomes full of tensions, barriers, suspicions, misunderstandings, clashes, and conflicts.

In contrast, the work of Jesus Christ on the cross connects us with God and others. We experience fellowship with God and with one another. Nothing between us and God. Nothing between us and others. No walls separating us.

The apostle John illustrates this through the image of light and darkness.

When we shine of God’s glory – displaying Christ’s love, sharing God’s truth, saying and doing what is right and good – we “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7).

When we hide the evil we’ve done – excusing ourselves, blaming others, not saying or doing what is right and good – we “walk in the darkness” (1 John 1:6).

Light shines and darkness hides. As Christ followers, real fellowship with God and with others is found by walking in the light – being open and honest and transparent with God and with others, being willing to know and be known.

Knowing the whole truth about ourselves means we are open to conviction and transformation. Everything the Lord shows us to be sin, we deal with as sin. We respond with brokenness to the first twinges of conscience. We hide and excuse nothing.

Barriers go both ways. Any barrier between us and God affects our relationships with others. Any barrier between us and others affects our relationship with God.

The sooner we deal with these barriers the better. The good news: “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

We confess our sins to God so that we may receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). We also confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed (James 5:16).

Of course, we don’t hang out our dirty laundry for all the world to see. But with a few trusted believers, we may share our struggles and receive prayer in order to find freedom.

What fellowship it is when we walk this way together. Love flowing from one to another. Equal before the cross of Christ. The barriers are down. The masks are off. God makes us one.

No hiding. No fear. No judgment. We are safe with one another in the family of God. Through such a fellowship God will work.

Reflection: With whom do you need to strengthen fellowship?

~ Pastor Dave