"A Surpassing Way"

"Love never fails." What did Paul mean by those words? As seen in the context, he was discussing the gifts of the spirit as signs that God's favor was on the newly formed congregation. But not all Christians could heal, prophesy, or speak in tongues. However, that did not matter; the miraculous gifts would eventually cease anyway. Yet, something else would remain, something every Christian could cultivate. It was more outstanding, more enduring than any miraculous gift. In fact, Paul called it "a surpassing way." (1 Corinthians 12:31) What was this "surpassing way?" It was the way of love.

Indeed, the Christian love that Paul described "never fails," that is, it will never come to an end. to this day, self-sacrificing brotherly love identifies Jesus' true followers. Do we not see evidence of such love in the congregations of Jehovah's worshipers earth wide? That love will last forever, for Jehovah promises everlasting life to his faithful servants. (Psalm 37:9-11, 29) May we continue to do our best to "go on walking in love." By doing so, we can experience the greatest happiness that comes from giving. More than that, we can keep on living-yes, keep on loving-for all eternity, in imitation of our loving God, Jehovah.

In this chapter concluding the section on love, we have discussed how we can show love for one another. But in view of the many ways in which we benefit from Jehovah's love-as well as from his power, justice and wisdom-we do well to ask, 'how can I show Jehovah that I truly love him? That question will be considered in our final chapter.

Next time:"Draw Close To God, And He Will Draw Close To You"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002