Intimate Fellowship with God

Growing up in a small town on a Caribbean island, there was little to do in terms of social activities; going to church was the major social event.

​On Sunday mornings I  would go to the Baptist church, Sunday afternoons the Anglican church, and Sunday evenings the Methodist church. Wednesday evenings were for prayer meetings and Friday nights for youth fellowship. Summers were for Vacation Bible School and church camps, hosted by various denominations and led by Christian young people from the US and Canada. 


I became a Christian at a young age. Being immersed in the Church and the scriptures for many years, I felt I had an intimate relationship with God. As I read the First Letter of John, God opened my eyes to several truths about His nature and how they related to me having an intimate relationship with Him.  Two of these truths were 'God is Light' and 'God is Love.'

In 1 John 1:5-6, the apostle John writes to Christian believers, “...God is Light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” John is telling the believers that if  they want to enjoy a relationship with God they must be willing to allow His light to expose their sin, so they can ask for forgiveness. 


This passage was prompting me to look at how I dealt with sin in my life. It was reminding me that sin disrupts my relationship with God, because light and darkness cannot coexist.  So how do I respond?  First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  In order to have an intimate relationship with God, I have to allow His light to show me the sin in my life so I can confess it and allow Him to guide my path.   


John continues to speak to believers about their fellowship with God. First John 4:7-8 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  Because God is love, a relationship with Him means that love must be evident in our lives; in words and in deeds.


Do I love my fellow believers and my neighbors? Is my love visible, sacrificial, and unconditional? Thinking about my behavior when the neighbor parks too close to my driveway, or when someone swipes the parking spot I was headed for, or when the family with six children under twelve sits in front of me in church, I feel convicted.  Love is from God. If I am not demonstrating love, my fellowship with God is impacted. 


Intimacy with God means walking in His light and sharing His love.


Maybe like me, you feel God using this passage to prompt you to examine your walk with Him?  He is revealing truths that will lead to a more intimate relationship with Him. He wishes to shine His light into those dark areas that we try to keep hidden and His love to guide us to those with whom we need to share love. May we always act on the prompting the Holy Spirit places on our hearts.    

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) 

About the Author

Hi, I am Joan Lavori.  I have been married to my husband Joe for 33 years.  We have two young adult children and we live in NW Atlanta. I homeschooled my children through high school and currently teach in a hybrid homeschool program.  I love to write, read, sing and take long walks on the beach, listening to God's Word and soaking up His marvelous creation.  ​​​