Dear Paul. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'll share with you my experiences but I have to confess that I'm not really sure what it is that your after here.

I believe that fellowshipping is important in our lives. But I also believe there is a big difference between Christian fellowship and socializing. I have to confess that I'm somewhat of a stoic when it comes to how I act among the brethren. I tend to suppress my emotions and act somewhat stiff if you will. But I do this on purpose because I'm not fellowshipping to "socialize." I have a purpose when I'm in the company of other Christians and that is to learn, instruct, edify and share the gospel with my brethren. That is why I'm at church and that is what I focus on. So out of my love for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I do not have any fear of whom I'm communicating with. I tell it like it is because I feel that's what God wants me to do. I also realize that there are those who do not wish to be involved with deeper biblical conversation and I realize that I might be preaching to the choir with some and offending others.... but I really can't tell where most people are in their walk so I treat everyone the same. Some I might offend, some I might water, some I might be planting a seed. Who knows, only God.

Do I fear emotional sorrow of lost fellowship.... Nope, not at all..... been there done that and over it. God has really broken me of being hurt or offended by others. I've come to really keep my focus on my family. So when I go to church I'm not really looking for friends and being accepted and or being "needed." I go to share the gospel and to help others, to learn, train and to worship and praise the Lord.

With new believers, I tend to just get to know them and to offer my assistance to them if they want it. I tend to wait for them to open a window of opportunity for me to share the gospel. I try to be careful with people, don't get me wrong, but when I share the gospel, I don't hold back. So anyway, I'm not sure if this helps any, but It's my 2 cents worth. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Y.B.I.C,

Dave.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16