What does it look like to have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)?

In 1 John 1:7, the apostle writes, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” True fellowship is based on walking in the light of Christ. When we walk in His light—His truth and holiness—we have fellowship with other believers.

The word translated “fellowship” in 1 John 1:7 is a form of koinonia, which appears about 20 times in the New Testament. It’s fellowship, but more than that: it’s fellowship based on a common sharing. Koinonia is “the idea of sharing in spiritual blessings, mutual support, and active partnership in the faith” (Strong’s Lexicon). When we have this type of fellowship with one another, we are united in purpose as we serve the Lord alongside each other.

Having fellowship with one another requires that we be authentic and transparent. God’s household has no room for lies, deceit, hypocrisy, or unconfessed sin. First John 1:6 states, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” Christian fellowship thrives in spaces where believers are honest about their sins, struggles, and weaknesses. Instead of hiding these things from one another out of fear or shame, we should “confess [our] sins to each other and pray for each other so that [we] may be healed” (James 5:16). Confessing sin to one another allows God’s light to expose us and heal our brokenness. Mutual accountability and encouragement are essential for having fellowship with one another.

Another thing we share in having fellowship with one another is the experience of God’s grace and forgiveness through Christ. In 1 John 1:7, the apostle connects Christian fellowship with the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. In Christ, we have forgiveness of sins. Therefore, we should forgive one another. Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32; cf. Colossians 3:13). Having fellowship with one another means extending the same grace and forgiveness we have received to others.

Having fellowship with one another results in the fulfillment of the “one another” commands in the Bible. Those who experience true koinonia are devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), honor one another (Romans 12:10), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16), accept one another (Romans 15:7), and serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). They are kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32); they admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). They offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9) and love one another (1 John 3:11).

First John 1:7 reminds us of the importance of a Christ-centered relationship with other believers. As we have fellowship in the Spirit, we walk in the light of truth, we are transparent, we extend grace and forgiveness, and we practice sacrificial love. Fellowship is a vital expression of what it means to live as the body of Christ.