Read Philippians 1:11
[I pray that you will be] filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:11
The difference between spiritual fruit and human religious activity is
that fruit brings glory to Jesus Christ. Whenever we do anything in
our own strength, we have a tendency to boast about it. True spiritual fruit is so beautiful and wonderful that no one can claim credit
for it; the glory must go to God alone. This, then, is true Christian
fellowship—a having-in-common that is much deeper than mere
friendship.
Jerry was told that he had to go to New York City for special
surgery, and he hated to go. “Why can’t I have it done at home?” he
asked his doctor. “I don’t know a soul in that big, unfriendly city!” But
when he and his wife arrived at the hospital, a pastor met them and
invited them to stay at his home until they got settled. The operation
was serious, and the wait in the hospital was long and difficult; but
the fellowship of the pastor and his wife brought new joy to Jerry and
his wife. They learned that circumstances need not rob us of joy if we
will but permit those circumstances to strengthen the fellowship of
the gospel.
Something to Ponder
In which of your relationships do you experience genuine Christian
fellowship? In which do you settle for “mere friendship”?