Koinonia - Partners and Partakers

 John wrote his letter with fellowship in mind. Today, in the minds of most Christians, fellowship means gathering around food. While there is nothing wrong with this type of fellowship, the Apostle John means something a little bit different.

The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia, which means partners and partakers. We are to be partners and partakers with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  That fellowship then extends to other believers in the faith. The Amplified version puts it this way ~ What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

I love that!! Our fellowship with the Father and Jesus is a distinguishing mark!!  Our distinguishing mark should mean that we are noticeably different. We are set apart for God's service. The Israelites had a distinguishing mark which was God's presence [Exodus 33:15-16]. We, too, have God's presence with us through the Holy Spirit indwelling us. His presence should give us joy. His joy is in us. Joy should be flowing out of us! We should not keep it to ourselves but freely share it with others so they can have joy, too!