Day 24: Doctrine Shapes Fellowship

Scripture Reading:

“But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ, from whom the whole body, being joined and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the properly measured working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” – Ephesians 4:15–16, LSB

True fellowship is more than shared meals or friendships; it is the unity of believers rooted in God’s truth. Paul describes the church as a body, built up as each member speaks the truth in love and grows together into Christ. Doctrine provides the foundation and direction for this fellowship.

Without doctrine, fellowship becomes shallow, based only on human interest or affinity. But when doctrine is central, fellowship is anchored in Christ and His Word. Louis Berkhof observed, “The unity of the church is not based on feeling, but on truth” (Systematic Theology, p. 576). Fellowship shaped by doctrine is deep, durable, and holy.

John Calvin wrote, “Christ binds us together by the bond of His truth” (Institutes, 4.1.2). The church’s fellowship is not held together by programs or entertainment but by shared belief in the gospel. This is why Paul links growth in love with speaking truth. Without truth, love loses its depth; without love, truth loses its gentleness. Together, they build the church.

Doctrinal fellowship also guards against false unity. Many today call for unity at the expense of truth, but this produces compromise, not fellowship. Real unity comes when believers confess the same truth, live by the same gospel, and encourage one another to grow in Christ.

Beloved, doctrine shapes fellowship by giving it substance and direction. It keeps us from drifting into false unity and builds us into a body that reflects Christ’s love and truth. When we speak truth in love, we grow together into maturity, glorifying the Head, Jesus Christ.

Personal Reflection

1. How does Ephesians 4:11–16 show that fellowship is rooted in doctrine?

2. Why is unity without truth dangerous for the church?

3. How can speaking the truth in love strengthen fellowship?

4. What role does sound doctrine play in protecting fellowship against division?