Friday | 03 July 2026

Our initiative toward fellowship

When the love of God is poured into our heart by the Holy Spirit, we begin to judge in a different way. The love of God compels us to judge that ‘if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again’. 2Co 5:14-15. The resurrection life that we receive, is the capacity for the works of obedience, or love, that Christ has finished for us.

The fragrant oil that is poured out upon another, through our repentance as we make confession and testimony, is the fellowship of the Spirit. A person who initiates toward fellowship with their brethren, who belongs to corporate Jesus, demonstrates that they ‘love much’. Those who do not anoint others in this manner, demonstrate that they ‘love little’.

Jesus also highlighted the importance of reconciliation when a brother has been offended by us. He said, ‘Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you [KJV – ‘ought against you’], leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.’ Mat 5:23-24.

Let us be clear that Christ was talking about offences between brethren, or fellow sons of God, in the body of Christ. Of course, these relationships include our marriages, our households (three generations), and our brethren in the church. He was not talking about the offences of those who are outside the body. The apostle Paul was clear that we are not debtors  [we have no obligation]  to the flesh.  Rom 8:12.

Importantly, it is the Holy Spirit who brings to our remembrance the offences that a brother has against us. We are not just remembering every niggle or contrary interaction that we may have had with others. Discernment, in this regard, requires maturity and spiritual sight.