"CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH LOVE"

Paul wrote:  "Clothe yourselves  with love, for it is a perfect bond of union." (Colossians 3:14) Jehovah has graciously provided the clothing for us.  In what way? Christians can display love because it is one of the God-given fruits of Jehovah's holy spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Jehovah himself has displayed the greatest love by sending his only begotten Son so that we might have everlasting life. (John 3:16)  This supreme  demonstration of love provided a model for us in expressing this quality.  "If we are ourselves under obligation to love one another." -1 John 4:11. 

Your attending the meetings at the Kingdom Hall will afford you an excellent opportunity to show love.  There you will meet a wide variety of people.  No doubt you will feel drawn to many of them right away.  Of course, personalities differ even among those serving Jehovah.  Perhaps in the past you simply avoided people who did not share your interests or traits.  Christians though, are to "have love for the whole association of brothers." (1 Peter 2:17) Therefore, make it your aim to become acquainted with those at the Kingdom Hall -even individuals whose age, personality, race or level of education may differ from yours.  Likely you will find that each one excels in some endearing quality. 

The diversity of personalities in the congregation need not disturb you.  To illustrate, imagine that numerous vehicles are traveling alongside you on a road.  Not all are moving at the same speed, nor are all in the same condition.  Some have traveled many miles, but like you, others have just started out.  Regardless of these differences, however, are all traveling down the road.  It is similar with the individuals making up a congregation.  Not all develop Christian qualities at the same speed.  Furthermore, not all are in the same physical or emotional condition.  Some have been worshiping Jehovah for many years; others have just begun.  Yet, all are traveling along the road to everlasting life, "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought."  ( 1 Corinthians 1:10)  Therefore, look for the strengths rather than the weaknesses of those in the congregation.  Doing that will warm your heart, for you will realize that God is really among these people.  And surely this is where you want to be. -1 Corinthians 14:25.

Next time:Conclusion of "CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH LOVE"

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995