“Only one way out of estrangement into fellowship”
— John Stott
Simplified Meaning:
When people feel isolated or apart from others, there's usually just one way to become close again: making an effort to connect and understand each other. Imagine two friends who had a fight and stopped talking. The only way they can become friends again is by talking about their feelings, apologizing if necessary, and trying to understand each other's point of view. This takes honesty and a desire to fix things, rather than ignoring the problem or holding on to bad feelings. It’s like building a bridge to bring people back together. If someone wants to fix their relationships and be part of a group again, they need to take that step towards communication and understanding. This idea helps people remember to reach out and make the effort to repair and strengthen their connections with others.