Sharing Love by Your Actions

Paul wrote to Christian in Thessalonica:  "The love of each and all of you is increasing one toward the other." (2 Thessalonians  1:3) Growing in love is an especially important aspect of spiritual growth.  Jesus said, as recorded at John 13:35: "By this all will know that you are my disciples,if you have love among yourselves."  Such brotherly love is not characterized by mere emotion or feeling.  Observes Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words:  "Love can be known only from the actions it prompts."  Yes, you press on to maturity in this regard by putting love into action!

For example, at Romans 15:7, we read:  "Welcome one another."  One way to show love is by greeting your fellow believers and newcomers at congregation meetings-warmly and enthusiastically!  Get to know them personally.  Take a "personal interest" in others.  (Philippians 2:4)  Perhaps you can even show hospitality and invite various ones to your home.  (Acts 16:14, 15) The imperfections  of others can sometimes test the depth of your love, but as you learn to 'put up with them in love, you demonstrate that you are becoming full-grown. -Ephesians 4:2.

Next time: Using Our Assets to Promote Pure Worship

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000