BE BUILT UP BY LOVE

A CHRISTIAN cultivates many things in order to be an effective minister. The book of Proverbs highlights the value of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. (Proverbs 2:1-10) The apostle Paul discussed the need for solid faith and strong hope.  (Romans 1:16, 17; Colossians 1:5; Hebrews 10:39) Endurance and self-control are also vital.  (Acts 24:25; Hebrews 10:36) However, there is one element that if lacking detracts from all the other things and  could even make them valueless. That element is love. -1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13. 

Jesus showed the importance of love when he said: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) Since love is the identifying mark of a true Christian, we need to ask such questions as, "What is love?  Why is it so essential that Jesus said that it, above all else, characterizes his disciples?  How can we cultivate love?  Who should be the object of our love? Let us consider these questions.

Next time: What Is Love?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001