A great way of knowing when we’re correctly aligned with God (i.e. our “vertical” relationship) is that we become more adventurous in connecting with our sisters and brothers in Christ – our horizontal relationships.

Jesus described himself as the vine, and us as the branches (John 15). We, as the branches, are connected to each other via Jesus Christ. Our communion is more than one of doctrine and opinion; our relationships, through our bond in Jesus, actually represent the oneness of heart that we have through Him.

Of course, I am not suggesting we should want to be around one another 24 hours a day, although that would be a very interesting experience! There is a place for drawing away to be alone with the Lord; after all, Jesus did exactly that (see Luke 4:42). What I am talking about is having an overall affection for our spiritual siblings, where we enjoy the blessing of Godly fellowship as we come together.
The Bible tells us how the early church formed a community:

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42, NLT)

Whenever there have been times where I haven’t particularly wanted to be around my spiritual family, I have realised something is amiss with me spiritually!

So, what draws us away from desiring fellowship?

It is usually a spirit of fear. Fear is an enemy of authenticity – it makes us afraid to reveal our true selves to others! This fear keeps us from wanting to be around those who are right with the Lord spiritually. Fear also causes insecurity, which can manifest itself as us being full of pride, or being controlling in our relationships – two characteristics that won’t win too many friends!

When we find ourselves drawing away from our family in Christ, we tend to think that everyone else is the problem. In those times, I have discovered that the problem isn’t with everyone else!

2 Tim 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Let our spirits be filled with the power and love of God, rather than fear, so that we can enjoy the deepness and richness of fellowship with one another in the Lord!

Blessings,

Tirone