Understanding true fellowship – Part 2

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” God sets boundary around the fellowship of His people and we must accept and honour it. True disciples are real followers of Jesus Christ who must not have or maintain fellowship with anyone, group or assembly involved in idolatry, syncretism, fornication, adultery, hypocrisy, apostasy, false doctrine, cultism, wickedness or works of darkness in any form. We must not contest this command, but accept the totality of the word of God to continue in fellowship with the Lord. We are not to encourage false religion, idolatry, powers or societies of darkness. “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.”

Those who claim to be believers, but live the sinful, backslidden life must not be encouraged by being in fellowship with them. Although they give food and basic help to the ungodly, believers must not fellowship with them as if they are brethren. Judgment came on Jehoshaphat because he was in fellowship with sinful and wicked Ahab. “And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? Therefore, is wrath upon thee from before the Lord”.

No matter the consequence or cost, we must not fellowship with those who misuse their authority to make laws to destroy the people, way, gospel and the grace of God, unless they repent and turn to the Lord. “Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.” As we heed this command to remain in fellowship with Him, He will keep us safe and secure.

Fellowship in the family, within the flock of God, society or workplace has a backbone. The bony structure at the back, which keeps one standing straight, is the backbone. Without the backbone, the other parts of the body cannot make a person stand like a real human being. The same thing applies to true fellowship. When the backbone of true fellowship is in place, then we have the source of support and strength to carry out the activities and our obligations in the fellowship.

Restitution is central in keeping our fellowship. Properties stolen should be restored; lies and things done to disturb or destroy the fellowship should be confessed and corrected. Those who have benefitted from the grace of God, especially new converts, should not leave their restitution undone. “Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

In our fellowship and relationship together as believers, we might offend each other. However, when offences come, we must not keep malice, but tell the offenders their fault. Furthermore, we must not misinterpret forgiveness in the fellowship. There must be repentance to justify forgiveness. It is wrong to keep doing what is not right every time and expect forgiveness, without repentance, because we are Christians. “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” By all means, let us maintain peace in the house of God. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you”.

• Further reading (King James Version): 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 1 John 1:3; Ephesians 5:11,12; 1 Corinthians 10:20,21; 5:11; 1 John 1:5-7; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Psalm 94:20,21; Leviticus 6:2-5; Matthew 5:23,24; Luke 17:3,4; James 5:16; 2 Corinthians 12:20, 21; Mark 9:50; Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24.