Love - An Essential Quality

Why is love an essential quality for a Christian?  First, because Jesus commanded his followers to love one another.  He said: "You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.  These things I command you, that you love one another."  (John 15:14, 17) Second, because  Jehovah is the personification of love, and as his worshipers we should imitate him.  (Ephesians 5:1; 1 John 4:16)  The Bible says that taking in knowledge of Jehovah and Jesus means everlasting life.  How can we say that we know God if we do not try to be like him?  The apostle John reasoned:  "He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love." -1 John 4:8.

Love is important for a third reason:  It helps us to balance different aspects of our lives and adds good motive to what we do.  For example, it is vital continually to take in knowledge of God's Word.  For a Christian,, such knowledge is like food.  It helps him to grow to maturity and to act in harmony with God's will.  (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:3; 2 Timothy 3:15, 16) However, Paul warned:  "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."  (1 Corinthians 8:1) No, there is nothing wrong with accurate knowledge.  The problem is with us - we have sinful tendencies.  (Genesis 8:21) If the balancing influence of love is missing, knowledge could make a person puffed up, thinking himself better than others.  That will not happen if he is basically motivated by love.  "Love . . .does not brag, does not get puffed up."  (1 Corinthians 13:4) A Christian who is motivated by love does not become proud, even if he acquires a deep knowledge.  Loves keeps him humble and prevents him from wanting to make a name for himself. -Psalm 138:6; James 4:6.

Paul wrote to the Philippians:  "This is what I continue praying, that your love may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; that you may make sure of the more important things."  (Philippians 1:9, 10) Christian love will help us to follow this encouragement to make sure of the most important things. As an example, consider Paul's words to Timothy:  "If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a fine work."  (1 Timothy 3:1) During the 2000 service year, the number of congregations worldwide increased by  1,502, making a new total of 91,487.  Hence, there is a great need for more elders, and those who reach out for the privilege are to be commended.

However, those reaching out for privileges of oversight will maintain a good balance if they keep in mind the purpose of such a privilege.  Simply having authority or a wider name recognition is not the important thing. Elders who please Jehovah are motivated by love for him and for their brothers.  They are not seeking prominence or influence.  The apostle Peter, after counseling congregation elders to maintain a good attitude, stressed the need  of "lowliness of mind."  He counseled all in the congregation: "Humble yourselves .  . .under the might hand of God." (1 Peter 5:1-6) Anyone who is reaching out does well to consider the example of countless elders around the world who are  hardworking, humble, and therefore a blessing to their congregation. -Hebrews 13:7.

Next time: Good Motive Helps Us to Endure

The Watchtower, 2001