RAISING GODLY FELLOWSHIP Ephesians 4:1-6
Devotional – “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v.3)
It is only the Holy Spirit that can raise true and godly fellowship of believers but He uses the committed members of the body of Christ who make themselves available [Ephesians 4:3]. It is by God’s power this is possible but we must choose to commit ourselves to the work of the kingdom wherever we find ourselves either in the school or in different community on earth.
To raise a genuine and Godly fellowship we must share the truth of the word of God and not of human philosophy [Ephesians 4:15]. To raise true Godly fellowship takes humility, self-importance, and stubborn pride easily destroys fellowship. Humility is the oil that makes relationship smooth [1 Pet 5:5]. To develop humility, admit your weaknesses, be patience with others’ weaknesses, be open to correction and showing others the Bible love [Rom 12:16]. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less [i.e. to be humble is to think more of others] serving others.
To raise a godly fellowship takes courtesy i.e. respecting our differences, being considerate of each other’s feeling and patience with people who irritate us [Rom 15:2, Titus 3:2]. To raise a godly fellowship takes confidentiality i.e. we don’t gossip one another’s needs and mistakes. God hates gossip [Proverbs 16:28]. To raise good and godly fellowship takes consistency i.e. regular contact with each other. Godly relationship is not built on convenience but conviction to be one.
We must learn to encourage and support each other [1 John 3:16]. To raise a godly fellowship we must restore broken relationship [2 Corinthians 5:18, Matt 5:9]. Restoring broken relationship or fellowship is a lot of work. To restore relationships, talk to God before talking to people and sympathize with their feelings. Confess your part of the conflict [Matt 7:5]. Attack the problem and not the person [Proverbs 15:1]. Cooperate and emphasize on reconciliation and not just resolution. Peace!
PRAYERS—Lord, make me your vessel for a godly fellowship
“GOD EXPECTS UNITY AND NOT UNIFORMITY”
