Lesson 6: Fellowship

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The lesson on Fellowship teaches that fellowship is far deeper than friendliness, shared activities, or spending time together. Fellowship begins with relationship—first with God, and then with others. The readings describe fellowship and brotherhood as two connected directions: “One to God, the other to man” (262-22). True fellowship with God always reveals itself in how a person lives, serves, and relates to people.

The daily prayer given for this lesson makes this connection unmistakably clear:

“WOULD I HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH THEE, I MUST SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE TO MY FELLOW MAN,” followed by a sobering warning, “THOUGH I COME IN HUMBLENESS AND HAVE AUGHT AGAINST MY BROTHER, MY PRAYER… DOES NOT RISE TO THEE” (262-21). Fellowship with God cannot coexist with resentment, bitterness, or unaddressed grievance toward others. Relationship with the Divine is measured by the state of one’s relationships with people.

The readings repeatedly stress that fellowship is proven through action, not speech. Those who desire grace, mercy, understanding, faith, or knowledge must practice these qualities in everyday relationships. The lesson states plainly that “there must be the exercising of same in our fellow man” (262-21). Fellowship grows when kindness, patience, forgiveness, and fairness are lived—especially when doing so requires effort or humility.

A central requirement of fellowship is personal honesty. Before attention is placed on others, each individual is instructed to look inward. The readings urge that each person “purge their own minds and hearts,” and if conflict exists, not to deny or avoid it, but to bring it sincerely before God: “he that has aught against any present it to the throne of grace” (262-21). True fellowship cannot be built on inner disorder or unacknowledged resentment.

Fellowship also requires unity of purpose, not just agreement in words. The group is reminded that fellowship must be lived inwardly and outwardly, with “unison of purpose,” and without delay or passivity. Each individual must personally answer the call, for “unless they answer in person they may NOT have that whole fellowship with Him” (262-22). Fellowship does not mean being carried by a group—it means taking responsibility within shared commitment.

A clear distinction is drawn between fellowship and brotherhood. Brotherhood is real and valuable, but it is described as the outward expression of something deeper. Fellowship is the spiritual relationship with God; brotherhood is how that relationship manifests among people. As the readings explain, brotherhood is “an expression of the fellowship that exists in the SPIRITUAL life” (262-23).

The lesson offers a direct and demanding standard for evaluating fellowship. It names the “extreme test” as living the Golden Rule: “Doing unto others as ye would have them do unto you” (262-22). Without this principle, the lesson states, one “may not wholly please God” (262-22). Fellowship is measured by daily fairness, empathy, and consideration—not by spiritual language or experiences.

The readings also address service without recognition. When individuals give generously and are met with ingratitude, misunderstanding, or misuse, the instruction is clear: do not judge. “Judge ye not,” the lesson advises, reminding individuals to act with the same spirit as Christ—“doing… for Him”—and to trust that “the thanks will come from Him who knows” (262-22). Fellowship means serving without resentment or expectation of reward.

Another important theme is awakening. Awakening is defined as “the consciousness of a relationship that exists in animate or inanimate, finite or infinite” (262-23). In simple terms, awakening is becoming aware that life is interconnected—people, nature, spirit, and purpose—and recognizing one’s responsibility within that connection. Fellowship deepens as awareness of relationship expands.

When spiritual experiences or symbols arise, the guidance remains practical and grounding. Individuals are encouraged not to become distracted or confused by phenomena, but to treat such experiences as reminders to remain awake and live faithfully. A simple method is offered: ask oneself a sincere yes-or-no question, accept the answer honestly, then confirm it through prayer and meditation—trusting that “the Spirit answers! Doubt not!” (262-23). Fellowship grows through clarity and faith, not fascination.

The lesson also emphasizes accountability. If a person does not experience true fellowship, the readings state plainly that the lack is not on God’s side. “When such is NOT one’s experience,” the lesson explains, “they are lacking in THEIR efforts” (262-23). Fellowship requires commitment, follow-through, and faithfulness to what has been promised.

In simple terms, fellowship is living in right relationship—with God and with people. It means clearing resentment, practicing mercy, serving without judgment, and accepting personal responsibility within the whole. When fellowship is real, life becomes more connected, purposeful, and compassionate, and relationship with God becomes something lived—not merely believed.

SUMMARY

Fellowship is relationship made visible. True fellowship with God is proven by brotherly love, fairness, forgiveness, and service toward others. It requires honesty, accountability, and personal responsibility. When lived faithfully, fellowship transforms both spiritual life and human relationships.

SELECTED READINGS ON FELLOWSHIP

“If… I have aught against my brother, my prayer… does not rise to Thee.” (262-21)

Prayer isn’t just words directed upward; it’s a heart condition. Unforgiveness blocks spiritual connection because love and resentment can’t occupy the same space.

“Approach the throne of mercy with mercy to all.” (262-21)

You can’t receive mercy while refusing to give it. Mercy flows through you, not around you.

“Would we seek grace, mercy… there must be the exercising of same in our fellow man.” (262-21)

Spiritual qualities only become real when practiced. Grace grows by being used.

“KNOW that as ye forgive will ye be forgiven.” (262-21)

Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s reciprocal. What you release determines what you can receive.

“As we deal… so must it come again to all.” (262-21)

Life reflects your inner posture. How you treat others sets the pattern for what returns to you.

“Let each purge their own minds and hearts…” (262-21)

True fellowship begins with inner honesty. Cleaning up resentment, pride, or judgment makes room for connection.

“Let each examine themselves first… that must be purged…” (262-21)

The work always starts inward. Self-examination prevents projecting faults onto others.

“Sincere in purpose, pure in mind…” (262-23)

Fellowship isn’t about appearances. It requires alignment between intention, thought, and action.

“Well that this be in unison of purpose, as well as said outwardly.” (262-22)

Words alone don’t create unity. Shared purpose must be lived, not just spoken.

“May there be no idleness or delay in us.” (262-22)

Spiritual growth requires action. Delay dulls awareness and weakens commitment.

“Unless they answer in person they may NOT have that whole fellowship with Him…” (262-22)

No one can respond spiritually on your behalf. Fellowship is personal, not inherited or delegated.

“One to God, the other to man.” (262-22)

Fellowship and brotherhood are connected but distinct: one is vertical (God), the other horizontal (people).

“Brotherhood… is an expression of the fellowship that exists in the SPIRITUAL life.” (262-23)

How we treat others reflects our inner spiritual state. Human relationships mirror divine relationship.

“Doing unto others as ye would have them do unto you is the extreme test of fellowship.” (262-22)

The Golden Rule is the measuring stick. Fellowship proves itself through behavior, not belief.

“Without same ye may not wholly please God.” (262-22)

Spiritual devotion without loving action is incomplete. God is pleased when love becomes practical.

“Judge ye not…” (262-22)

Judgment breaks fellowship. Compassion preserves it.

“Rather let that mind be in you as was in Him.” (262-22)

Fellowship grows when you adopt Christ’s mindset—humility, patience, mercy.

“Doing… for Him… ‘As ye have done it unto the least… ye have done it unto me.’” (262-22)

Service to others is service to God. Love becomes tangible through action.

“RESERVE then, that the thanks will come from Him who knows!” (262-22)

Don’t serve for recognition. True reward comes from divine awareness, not human applause.

“The awakening is the consciousness of a relationship that exists…” (262-23)

Awakening means realizing connection—between self, others, and the Infinite.

“This rather confuses the body!” (262-23)

Spiritual insight can feel unsettling at first. Growth often disrupts comfort before clarity settles in.

“Self is aroused! Then don't let yourself go back to sleep!” (262-23)

Once awareness begins, it must be nurtured. Ignoring insight dulls growth.

“That made manifest… is a shadow or reflection…” (262-23)

Physical experiences reflect deeper spiritual realities. What you see outwardly points inward.

“Ask self… ACCEPT that.” (262-23)

Honest self-questioning brings clarity. Acceptance—yes or no—prevents self-deception.

“In meditation and prayer ASK… and KNOW the Spirit answers! Doubt not!” (262-23)

Trust is essential. Doubt interrupts communion; confidence sustains it.

“HOW EXCELLENT IS THY NAME… WOULD I HAVE FELLOWSHIP… I MUST SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE…” (262-21)

This prayer centers the lesson: fellowship with God is inseparable from love toward others.

“LET EACH BECOME MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE DIVINE SPIRIT IN EACH… MAY THERE BE NO IDLENESS OR DELAY IN US.” (262-22)

Awareness leads to responsibility. Once conscious of the Divine within, action must follow.