Love Is The Key

The key to use power aright is love. Does not God's own example demonstrate this? Recall, the discussion of God's four cardinal attributes-power, justice, wisdom and love-in Chapter 1. Of the four qualities, which one predominates? Love. "God is love," says 1John 4:8. Yes, Jehovah's very essence is love; it influences all that he does. So every expression of his power is motivated by love and is ultimately for the good of those who love him.

Love will also help us to use our power aright. After all, the Bible tells us that love is "kind" and "does not look for its own interests." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) Hence, love will not allow us to act in a harsh or cruel manner toward those over whom we have a measure of authority. Instead, we will treat others with dignity and ut their needs and feelings ahead of our own. -Philippians 2:3, 4.

Love is related to another quality that can help us to avoid misusing power: godly fear. What is the value of this quality? "In the fear of Jehovah one turns away from bad," says Proverbs 16:6. The misuse of power is certainly among the bad ways from which we should turn away. Fear of God will restrain us from mistreating those over whom we have power. Why? for one thing, we know that we are accountable to God for the way we treat such ones. (Nehemiah 5:1-7, 15) But godly fear involves more than that. The original-language terms used for "fear" often refer to a profound reverence and awe of God. THe Bible thus associates fear with love for God. (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13) This reverential awe includes a healthy fear of displeasing God-not simply becaue we fear the consequences but because we truly love him.

To illustrate: Think about the wholesome relationship between a little boy and his father. The boy senses his father's warm, loving interest in him. But the boy is also aware of what his father requires of him if he misbehaves. The boy does not live in morbid fear of his father. on the contrary, he dearly loves his father. The youngster delights in doing what will bring his father's smile of approval. So it is with godly fear. Because we love Jehovah, our heavenly Father, we dread doing anything that would make him feel "hurt in his heart." (Genesus 6:6) Rather, we long to make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) That is why we want to use our power aright. Let us take a closer look at how we may do so.

Next time: Within The Family

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002