Review: In part one, we read of the vital importance that Christ attached to love between the brethren. It was to be a different kind of love than the World had ever seen. It was to mark them as different so everyone would know they were Christians by the mere presence of this love demonstrated in their lives.

Part 2. Jesus Commanded: Have Real Fellowship

Cain's famous quote that we spoke of: "Am I my brother's keeper?" was a statement that Cain had hoped would stall the inevitable as God called him to task for the murder of his brother. The words say, "Don't ask me about my brother, I'm not responsible for him. I take care of my own affairs and my brother takes care of his. I owe no allegiance to him. We have no ties that bind."

It is amazing to me that after thousands of years the attitude Cain demonstrated still exists. Most of us don't murder our brother as he did, but we do something far worse in the spiritual sense. We write him off as unnecessary to us. Or we allow ourselves to verbally kill his reputation, thinking that we can objectively judge him and his actions. We abandon him in his hour of need and think him unworthy of genuine fellowship. That is far worse than if you took his life and sent him Home.

(And in a very real sense the Bible says that to hate one's brother makes one guilty of murder in the spiritual sense. 1 John 3:15 - Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.")

Jesus had a much better idea for His followers: become one body of believers - the Body of Christ.

1. Learn Real Love.

Problem: How would all of these individuals become one "body" so that the kind of fellowship that Jesus desired could happen? First, they would learn about love (agape' in the greek language). This kind of love is only possible as God loves through us. The next time you're in Church, look around at the sea of faces. What do those people mean to you? Are they just people you know that happen to come to learn about God in the same place you do? No! These people are placed around you to be your family. Our Lord taught us this. Jesus stretched out His hand and said of all who believed on Him around, "Behold my mother and brethren!"

46. While He yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him. 47. Then one said unto Him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48.But He answered and said unto him that told Him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49. And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matthew 13:46-50)

His example is that we are to think of the assembly as real family not just "pew buddies." Jesus loved us so much and His appeal to the believers is for them to love each other in kind. "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11)

Once we acknowledge and nurture our love for our brethren then we can begin striving for the next piece of fellowship:

2. Become of one mind and of one accord.

The Holy Spirit was strong in the believers on that first Pentecost after Christ's crucifixion. He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer as He said He would. They were all focused on the Risen Christ and waiting as He commanded. "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." (Acts 2:1) When the promised Spirit came and infused them with power what happened? Did they become lukewarm in their love and in their focus on God? Absolutely not.

42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and of prayers. 43. And fear (heightened reverence) came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common (eager to share); 45. And sold all their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. (Acts 2:42-46)

[One side point is that as these folks were added to the Church, they were "cast out" of the Temple (John 9:22) and their lands were confiscated. They were many times left destitute and had next to nothing. Eagerness and willingness to share the bread and the necessities that were left is what kept a lot of people alive during this church age that began in 33 A.D. and went until approximately 100 A.D.]

So what happened? How did we lose this sense of oneness? We took our eyes off Christ and took back control of our lives instead of being filled with the Spirit. With Holy Spirit control, we will love and fellowship with one another. "Let [your choice] this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:6) Because Christ's mind is in us and that mind is one Mind, it follows that all who are controlled by that same Spirit of Christ will have one mind and one purpose. Without Him it is impossible to love or to be of one mind.

The Last part of fellowship is also impossible in our own strength:

3. Become part of one another.

Notice in Acts it says that they "had all things in common." (Acts 2:44) In other words, they shared supply when their brothers had a need. Think about what that kind of interaction would entail. They would have to be concerned about each other to the point of sharing each other's lives. They would have to care about the needs of their church family and be ready to reach out to them. They would have to talk to one another, and not just superficially, letting others see their needs and vulnerabilities. They would have to keep each other's needs in their daily prayers. Let me ask you: Are you mindful of those in your church family? Do you share with them your love, your resources, your time? Do you reallly care about them enough to get to know them and be a part of them and their lives?

Here are some suggestions for strengthening your fellowship skills:

a). Be friendly and greet your brothers when you see them. Smile and try to get them to do the same. Reach out in friendliness to them. Shake their hand or give a hug. That is known as a "holy kiss." (Romans 16:16)

b). Ask how they are and then stay around to hear the answer. Ask the Spirit to show you people who need your Spirit gift that day and then minister to them. That is edification.

c). When someone comes to you and asks you how you are, don't lie to them. Share your burden since they asked. show them that despite your trial you love God, and just the idea they care to ask and help if possible, is uplifting to your spirit. Allow them to minister to you.

d). All of us become weak from time to time. We are buffeted by our flesh and we need to be built up. Become strong for your brothers that need a helping hand to regain their strength. Focusing on others makes your problems fade and you end up stronger because of the interaction.

Love your brother like Christ loves starting now!

Part 3 of this series is Learning Forbearance.