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Daily devotional
July 7 - Fellowship expressed in relationships
“He who loves his brother abides in the light…” - 1 John 2:10
Scripture reading: 1 John 2:7-11; John 13:31-35
When we think about fellowship with God as a result of believing on Jesus, our initial response is to focus on the relationship that has been established between a holy God and the individual sinner. This, of course, is to be expected. However, as we think longer on this reality, we must begin to realize that this relationship also must change the way in which we view others who too have fellowship with God, through Jesus. As we are united to our Lord Jesus by faith, we are also united to those who, like us, are united to the same Saviour. Christ is the centre of not only our relationship with God, but also the centre of our relationships with all who are united to Him by faith.
John places great emphasis on this reality as he encourages us in our fellowship with God. God’s people have always been commanded to love their neighbour (eg. Leviticus 19:18), but with the coming of Christ, we have this love and fellowship perfectly exhibited in the person of our Redeemer. There is no greater demonstration of love than is demonstrated in the Gospel. John tells us that this love is not only "true in Him", but also is "true in you" (v.8). As we walk in the light of the Gospel, we will love God’s people more. If you are struggling in your relationships, make sure to first assess your relationship with the Lord. Good relationships begin and continue in the Lord.
Suggestions for prayer
Think about a specific relationship that you have that might not be the healthiest. Pray for yourself and for the other person that you might both put Christ first in that relationship.
Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.