It would be nice to think that Christians love to be in fellowship with each other. But that natural function of discipleship (John 13:35) is often thwarted. Sometimes it may be right and necessary to withdraw from fellowship - where sin continues without repentance (1 Corinthians 5:9-12), so that sinners might realise the gravity of their sin (2 Corinthians 7:8-11), or where key doctrines are not accepted and the church needs to be protected (2 Corinthians 11:2-15). But otherwise, disciples of Jesus should work together, encouraging and caring for each other. However that was lacking in the Corinthian church; their relationship with Paul was strained.

Paul was well known in Corinth. He was the church's 'founding father' and teaching apostle (1 Corinthians 4:15). In that role he had authority to command the church to deal with flagrant sin in its midst (2 Corinthians 10:1-6). But some did not like that. Also, false teachers infiltrated the church and gave Paul a bad name. So, although Paul dearly loved the church, they did not have the same affection for him. They were like children who refused to talk to their father about things that concerned them, nor did they like to take advice, because they thought they knew better.

Paul was quite blunt. He exposed this lack of fellowship as being wrong, because it showed a lack of love. The Corinthians had withdrawn their affection because they rejected his loving discipline, and accepted the slander they had heard from Paul's rivals. So the apostle called them to order. If I can paraphrase: Paul said - we love you but you have stopped loving us ... you have no good reason to withhold fellowship … so open up your hearts to us (2 Corinthians 12:14-15). It was a command. If they failed to warmly respond to the apostle, they would be at risk of being deceived by teachers peddling a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-7).

This practical command is for us today. Christ's church now contains billions of people, with different cultures, languages and world-views. True unity comes from our common faith in Jesus Christ, and adherence to the apostles' teachings (Acts 2:42). Unless rebellious people teach false doctrine, or sinful people refuse to repent, fellowship must not be withheld. God the Father, Son and Spirit model true fellowship, and our fellowship is first with Him (1 Corinthians 1:9). Then we must be in tender-hearted fellowship with each other. Where sin, prejudice or personalities have got in the way - repent, confess and be reconciled. Then open your heart to the people who Jesus loves, but whom you have despised.