Living In The Light

April 5, True Christian Fellowship

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you,
with many tears, not that you
should be grieved, but that you
might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
—2 Corinthians 2:4 LL 104.1

We are to admonish one another the more carefully and faithfully, as we see the end is nigh. This is friendship and brotherhood which amounts to some good purpose. If the watching for souls as they that must give an account does not lead to faithfulness and earnest prayer for one another, tell me what Christian fellowship means. If these faithful offices are not brought into practical lives of the believers, then the highest benefit of friendship and brotherhood is lost. It is no longer the friendship and association of the Bible, it is no longer the practical blessing that the Lord designs through association. LL 104.2

We shall consider the example of Paul in (2 Corinthians 2:4): “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have, more abundantly unto you.” “And let (it is urging its entrance) the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:15). . . . LL 104.3

While the chosen servants of God plead for His divine help, they must not tenderly cherish sensitiveness and jealousies which are not rare attributes we have to meet and that the enemy will tempt individuals to entertain. While the true laborers together with God should have wisdom from above, and the oil of grace mingled with all their labors, and be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves, avoiding giving offense or causing pain of heart to anyone, yet if they bear the burden of the work, they must admonish one another. And not one who claims to believe the truth which sanctifies the soul should take offense easily. It is essential that while the church militant is not the church triumphant, it is essential [that] we walk by faith, and not by sight.—Letter 63a, 1893. LL 104.4

Further Reflection: Have you ever hesitated to admonish or correct someone who may be going down a wrong path? How might you do so in a way that shows love for them? LL 104.5