Grace Fellowship

In order for one to have “fellowship” with God, they must first be in “relationship” with Him. Fellowship is birthed from relationship. Through Jesus, God is our Father and we are His children (John 1:12)! Sins do not affect the believers’ relationship with the Lord but left unattended they can affect their fellowship or communion with Him (1 Peter 2:11)!

This is why we are told in Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” (NLT)

In the early days of our ministry, I knew a dear saint of God who loved me and she was excited about the teaching of faith, grace and being at peace with God. She asked to speak with me before they moved away to retire near their children. During our conversation she asked, “Do you remember a certain sermon?” I said, “Why yes, that has been about two years ago hasn’t it?” She responded in the affirmative. I thought she might say how it had blessed her in some way but instead she asked if I had subtly corrected her with a story I told. Taken back, I said, “No sister, you weren’t on my mind at all. I didn’t even know you could relate to that story personally.” She said, “I didn’t think so, I just wanted to be sure and needed to get it off my chest.” I assured her the story had nothing to do with her! I asked, “Why didn’t you come to me two years ago? This could have been settled right away. I am so sorry you have lived with this concern!” Like many, she had no answer. Although it took her a while, at least she did ask and her mind was set at ease.

Many would rather just “handle it” themselves than attempt to resolve it like Jesus taught. All that is left is judgment. Judgment is when we presume to know why one does what they do without talking to them. It is judging ones motives without really knowing why they did or didn’t do something. Resolution comes through a teachable spirit, a willingness to listen, and a desire to be restored by loving confrontation. When acting as judge and jury we condemn them in our mind while hardening the heart. This may manifest itself in the form of the silent treatment, avoidance, separation, or for many married couples, living together while being emotionally divorced.

Luke 6:36-38 says we will receive what we have given out, mercy or judgment but it isn’t from God. No, it will be from the people we encounter! Many have problems relating to others because they are continuously passing emotional judgments on them. What do they get back? They get back exactly what they have given out, judgment and condemnation.

The Lord said, “He would never leave or forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5) The truth is, He is never far from us but we can “feel” far from Him. Like a person in chronic pain, when offenses are merely accepted they subtly affect every relationship we incur especially the Lord’s.

This infection of the soul creates all manner of emotional pain and physical illnesses. It dulls ones ability to hear the voice of the Lord. Their spiritual eyes are tainted with the lens of offense so the focus is on their pain rather than helping others. But, the Father knows how to navigate us from unbelief to faith if we will just turn to His Word! He is not withholding His blessing. Brother Kenneth E. Hagin said, “Be quick to repent and quick to forgive and you’ll never be far from God.”

In Romans 5:5, the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. He not only wants us to possess it, He wants us to experience it too. In 2 Peter 2:2-3, the Father has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. When we lay aside our pride and yield to His Word we begin to experience all He intends us to enjoy in this life free from offenses.