HOW STRONG ARE THE BONDS?
Finally, we can represent the things we have considered in a diagrammatic way:
Notice again that true fellowship is a two-way flow of love. In this diagram there are six "constants" with their origins on the divine side:
There are also six "variables" on the human side:
There is no question at all about the strength and durability of divine love in the first six relationships. The big question relates to the last six: our love for the Father; the Lord Jesus; and one another. As we have seen, we cannot have a proper relationship with our brethren if we are not enjoying fellowship with God and with His Son. The former depends upon the latter. If we are "out of tune" with our Father we will be out of harmony with everyone else. That is why it is so important at the beginning of the day to still our minds and hearts in the presence of God and enjoy fellowship with Him. Many have learnt the hard way that when such fellowship is neglected the day proceeds in a most unsatisfactory manner. The devil will do all he can to divert us from this spiritual exercise so that we rush into the day unprepared and stumble through it unprofitably.
The World
We have omitted one significant group - those who are sinners in the world. God still loves the world of sinners, and Christ is still the Good Shepherd seeking and saving the lost. We, as His followers, share His love for sinners, and that is why we strive to show them and tell them of His love. We are to reach out to them and go into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature.
However, to introduce the world into the equation would destroy the equilibrium. Although we are to love sinners, we are told to "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1 Jn 2.15-17). The ungodly world system and order will completely pass away. We are to go in for eternal things.
Whilst we radiate the love of Christ to the world we cannot expect to receive anything of spiritual benefit back from it. We can have no true fellowship with it. If we are like Christ in the world we will be reviled by it: "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (Jn 17.14); "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you" (1 Jn 3.13). The Saviour warned that in the world we will have tribulation, but in the midst of it all we can be encouraged and enjoy His peace. He has overcome it (Jn 16.33)!
Limiting the unlimited
Finally, we should be cautious when we impose some kind of structure on divine truth. It can be a useful exercise to order our thinking and open up our understanding, but we can never claim to have the whole matter sorted out. It is like trying to limit the unlimited. A rigid structure of truth can close our minds to equally valid truths "outside the box".
Nevertheless, it is hoped that the wonderful but complex interrelationship of these various truths has been evident. Fellowship and love, abiding and obeying, all go together. We have tried to unravel them to a degree, but we can hardly think of one without the other. The perfecting of our love for the Father, the Son and each other will take a lifetime (1 Jn 2.5; 4.12). May the Lord encourage us to work out these truths in a practical way for His glory alone.
Concluded.