We are all different—from different regions, different cultures, and different families—and the Lord decided to unite such different people into one body, of which He is the Head. And then the most interesting part begins: we adjust to one another.
For some, this process is easy and peaceful, while others experience stress, sleepless nights, days of struggling with themselves, and much more. Some people simply leave and rejoice that they have escaped the problems. But the Lord stands above everything and directs these processes. His hand supports me in difficult times. His Love is poured into my life, smoothing my sharp edges and polishing those facets of my character that can cause pain to others and become a curse to me. And this very Love desires to become fully mine so that, flowing into me, it may abide in my heart, live a full life there, and bring joy to all those around me through its attitude toward them.
Love loves to communicate and reveal its power through human speech. It knows human nature perfectly, yet it also looks closely into every detail of a person’s life and makes new discoveries in that person’s heart, without closing its own soul.
Try choosing one person and begin speaking to that person about your love. Even if at first your feelings are weak and your desires uncertain, over time, as you communicate, love will begin to take shape. It will become more and more firmly established in the heart, revealing new words and expressions with which you can embrace a person, convince that person of the truth of the words being spoken, and bring joy to that person’s heart. You may receive a similar response in return, and it is quite possible that my love will awaken mutual love in the heart of the person whom I have decided to love.
We must always remember that supernatural powers of goodness stand behind my decision and my act of love. They are interested in my victory, and they do more for me than I could ever dream of. Nevertheless, the first step toward a relationship, or the response to someone else’s attempt to begin one, must come from me.
We read in 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” As I read this verse, I see a key to solving many problems. And that key is fellowship. Fellowship may take different forms, but without it, resolving something can sometimes be very difficult. Good deeds are good in themselves, but without accompanying words, a wrong motive may be attributed to them.
For example, I decide to help someone financially, and I do it freely, from a pure heart, without unnecessary words. Is it a good deed? It all depends on how it is viewed. If someone decides to comment on my actions, that person can give them whatever meaning he wishes. And people will believe him, because words have the power to persuade. If he says that I am seeking to become well known, or that I am doing it to boast before others, or that I want to gain someone’s favor and draw him into some sect, or that I give in order to demand repayment later, or that I intend to make everyone my slave, then those words will have an effect, and all my unselfish motives will be distorted and misunderstood. But if the same well-wisher begins praising me for my kindness and describing me as an angel, people will begin to think of me as someone special and try to find wings on me; but when they realize that I am an ordinary person, they will be disappointed.
Fellowship helps us understand much about those around us and see them in the proper light. I hear the voice and intonation, sense the heart, and can understand the motive and disposition. In writing, every phrase sounds neutral, and I can give it my own meaning if I wish. But when I hear speech and a voice, I also understand the meaning of what was said.
I have noticed the following: when my friends read my letters, it is as though they hear my voice, and because they know me, they understand the meaning of what I write. And the same can be said of any of you.
God’s purpose is to gather us all into one family, teach us to love, understand, and accept one another, become friends, and be happy in these relationships.
Where people gather and unite, problems also arise. If there are no rules or established standards of conduct, people begin searching for the boundaries within which they can act and express themselves. As a result, opinions and ambitions collide. Many people seek good relationships and, upon entering a new community, hope to find faithful friends there. They themselves are also willing to become friends. But the conflicts and disagreements that usually arise frighten many of them, and they leave after realizing that the people in this community are just like people everywhere else.
But things are not equally bad everywhere. Where God’s Spirit is present and Love reigns, and where friendship has been chosen as the direction, the picture changes. God brings about many transformations and discoveries in the hearts of His children, and through fellowship with one another we come to shared views and principles. We have the ability to persuade one another that even though we are all different, if we love one another, each person can do what he enjoys most and do it together with others, contributing his part to the common work. And the purpose of every common work is to enter Eternity and continue there to increase in favor with God and man, growing in love, knowing the Father and the Son face to Face, and knowing one another, while abiding in the Holy Spirit.
Whenever we have fellowship in the Spirit of Truth here in this spiritual community, a process of cleansing our hearts takes place. We learn to love and, in this light, seek points of contact. We have problems with one another and try to resolve them through dialogue. And the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
Have you noticed that when there was a burden on your heart and you decided to speak with a friend, everything was settled, and you saw both the problem and the way out of it in a new light?
Love resolves any conflict in a couple of minutes if the heart is open to Christ’s influence. The Blood of Jesus cleanses my heart from all evil if I allow His Love to pass through my lips and hear this Love from the lips of my neighbor.
The family is the best battlefield for two selfish people who have decided to create something shared and beautiful. It is a miniature of the church and of social relationships across a broad range of influence, yet within the small space of relationships. The family develops many good qualities of the soul, which later also help in serving others around us. Families are different. But in any case, even without reciprocation, I can love my life companion if she does not share my goals.
But it is also important to understand that for fellowship to have cleansing power, we must walk and live in the light, have a firm biblical foundation for our faith and convictions, and know God personally. For if I am merely a good person and seek peace with everyone, but have not given my heart to Christ, then I have no higher purpose, and I will not enter Eternity merely by keeping company with others. Salvation has a Plan and conditions that must be observed, and they are effective. One must be born again in order to become an heir. I need faith in Jesus; I need to have a relationship with Him; and when I do, His Blood has cleansing power for me, covering my sin and removing it from me, making room for love, friendship, and happiness.
And where Love comes first, it is very good to live, to be, to fellowship, and to be friends. Everything is right there. And Eternity will be like that.
Homework 177
Are you familiar in your personal life with the persuasive power of your words? Did you learn anything new from this lesson? If not, share your experience of how gracious words work in your life. Do you believe that through fellowship with friends in the faith, the Blood of Christ also washes away your sins? How do you understand the expression “walk in the light”? Have you experienced reconciliation after speaking with those who caused you hurt and harm? Do you believe in the power of words to influence? How do you evaluate your words? Do they influence those around you toward good or toward evil? Are you susceptible to the influence of other people’s words? Please read Romans 12:10, 14, 16; Proverbs 15:26; 18:4; 23:9, 12; James 1:19–27; 1 John 1:7 in the light of our lesson.