It goes without saying that God expects us as His children to be hospitable and warm toward everyone. But with John's teaching in this verse, one might get the idea there are exceptions to the rule.

Luke tells us that the disciples were sent out in thirty-six pairs by Jesus to tell people the Lord was coming to their town. In giving his instructions, Jesus told them to bless a home if welcomed, eat what was set before them, heal the sick and tell them the kingdom of God had arrived.

However, should the seventy-two be rejected in a particular town, they were to preach the same message with a different slant. The Prince of Peace is coming but you will miss Him. Jesus told them, "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me." (Cp: Luke 10:)

Today, most of us calling ourselves a Christian fail to follow Scriptural guidelines. This is because we've come to view God as more of a Santa Claus figure than the One who determines the destiny of every person ever born. We can understand a loving, forgiving long-suffering God, but we may have a problem with a God who resists those who resist him; turns from those who reject him and punishes those who do the same toward his children.

When was the last time you defended the Name of the Lord Jesus when it was profaned? Do you refuse to fellowship with someone who debunks Jesus or worships a god other than Jehovah? Do you wink at sin instead of rebuking it and quickly seeking forgiveness? Is your faith variable according to the conviction (or lack of it) of those around you? Do you change how you act in order to fit in with those who have no respect for God or His word?

We come to regard the act of fellowship too loosely. God's word says we should have NO fellowship with the world, nor those who outwardly reject the Gospel, nor those who defame the church, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit or God the Father. Fellowship is defined by the time we spend with people who share our active faith, not our passive label.

When was the last time you enjoyed fellowship?

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Hs. 4:1-5:15 2 Jn. 1:1-13 Ps. 125:1-5 Pr. 29:9-11 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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