Anyone can have a relationship, for they may be good or bad, negative or positive. But to have fellowship, is a specific kind of relationship. It is a mutual connection of aligned interests to the benefit of all involved. I thought about the difference between a relationship and a fellowship this morning while reading 1 John.
John writes that he wants to have a fellowship with all other Christians, not just a relationship. That desired fellowship is also with the Farther and with his Son. Once again, not just a relationship, but a mutual, beneficial relationship. His joy is to be able to fellowship with other Christians and the Father and the Son together! All in a single relationship, connected, together!
He further goes on to warn us about lying to ourselves about fellowship. If our paths are different than those we "fellowship" with, then it is not what we think it, but simply a relationship. All fellowships are a type of relation, but not all relations are fellowships.
These are the thoughts that passed through my head as I began reading 1 John this morning and I just wanted to share them.
