That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God-1 John 1-3

What was John’s desire for those he wrote to? (1 John 1:1-4)

John shared his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we too might share in the fellowship of God. He wants us to love and strengthen one another; to befriend and serve each other; to offer companionship and compassion to our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that they might feel Christ’s love and know the truth of the gospel. "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4)

How we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

• By being honest with ourselves and humbly repenting so that we might be forgiven and cleansed of our sins (1 John 1:8–10)
• By keeping the commandments and living righteously according to the doctrine and principles He has given us (1 John 2:3–6)
• By loving one another; not only in words, but in action and in good deeds. And also, being able to forgive  (1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19)
• By doing the will of our Heavenly Father and keeping our eternal goals always in the forefront of our minds (1 John 2:15–17)
• By remembering the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ and by never forgetting who we are and why we’re here (1 John 2:20–21, 27)
• By trying each day to be like our Savior. We will make mistakes along the way, but through the atonement, we have the opportunity to continue to get better. (1 John 3:4–6)

 How can I better implement these principles in your life to have greater joy and fellowship with God?

Applying all of the principles I’ve noted, in my life, will help me have greater joy and fellowship with God. If I had to choose one, I would probably choose the last, because all the others result in my doing what I can to become more like my Savior: repenting, obeying the commandments, loving one another, forgiving, doing thy Father’s will, remembering the truths and enduring to the end. With greater joy and fellowship with God comes greater joy and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ.