Learning the Excelling Way of LOVE

SEEING that there have been wars throughout history, many have come to the conclusion that wars are really inevitable and that it is natural for humans to hate one another. Such views, however, are entirely contrary to the teachings of God's Word, the Bible. The Scriptures declare unequivocally: "He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8) It is clear that the Creator wants humans to love one another.

The Bible also reveals that man was created in God's image. (Genesis 1:26, 27) This means that mankind is endowed with the capacity to reflect God's qualities, the most prominent of which is love. Since this is so, why have humans failed so miserably in showing love to one another throughout history? Again, the Bible provides insight. It is because the first human pair, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God and fell into sin. As a result, all their offspring inherited sin and imperfection. Romans 3:23 explains: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Our God-given ability to love is marred by our inherited sin and imperfection. Does this mean that humans are incapable of loving one another anymore? What hope is there that we will ever enjoy a peaceful, loving relationship with our fellowman?

Next time: We Must Learn to Love God

Watchtower, 1999