Why do we isolate and internalize our faith? Why do we find it easier to do good acts of service to those who are far from us and not those closest to us? We often speak of faith in terms of having a personal relationship with Christ, and while our relationship with Him has deeply personal connotations (He calls us by name) it is meant to be lived out in the fellowship of the Body. John writes his first letter so that those who read it may join with him in fellowship with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ, and in doing so, his joy may be made complete. We are not isolated members but part of the whole.