Friendship is a relationship between two or more people based on common likes and dislikes while fellowship is a sharing of common interests, experiences, goals or views.
Friendship involves a mutual feeling of trust and affection. It forms an integral part of true fellowship (1 John 1:3).
Fellowship among Gods children is not just a formal meeting period. It involves pivotal components of genuine interests in the welfare of others. Selflessness, trust, confidence, companionship and faithfulness characterise friendship in fellowship. It is evident in practices such as praying together, distribution of items, visitations and group study.
However, there are pitfalls to avoid in exhibiting true friendship in fellowship. Believers are admonished to avoid unequal yoke in friendship, ungodly relationship with opposite gender, erotic relationships, friendship with questionable characters and unruly behaviour.
Fellowship among Gods children begins with friendship with God through genuine repentance from sin and faith in Christ Jesus (John 15:13, 1 John 1:9).
This can be sustained through abiding in Christ, fellowship with Gods children, fervent love for one another, forgiving one another and obedience.
There are great blessings in fellowship. This includes answers to prayers, spiritual growth, and preservation from falsehood, bearing one another’s burdens and victory in life’s challenges.
THANKS AND GODBLESS
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