Love "Does Not Behave Indecently"

When describing Christian love, the apostle Paul wrote:  "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests."  (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5)  The original  language term translated  "behave indecently" means  to conduct oneself in such a way as to be rude, to lack good manners, or to act improperly. Christian love, on  the other hand, takes into consideration the feelings of others. 

We can show Christian love by the way we treat those taking the lead in the congregation-perhaps circuit overseers, Bethelites, members of Branch Committee, members of the Governing Body as well as their helpers-may attend a convention or theocratic event that we also attend. Naturally, we want to show such brothers and their wives due respect. None of us would want to imitate the attitude of Diotrephes.  He refused to welcome the visiting brothers with respect. (3 John 9, 10) But could we, even unintentionally show a lack of good manners by going to the opposite extreme?  How might we do that? 

While we appreciate having an opportunity to meet and talk with visiting brothers and their wives, we would show a lack of respect if we treated such ones as celebrities.  For example, would it show good manners to take candid photos of such ones-without permission-while they were eating and engaging in other activities?  Would we ask them to autograph our books and Bibles? Would we push  in front of others and aggressively demand that our photo be taken with them?  Surely, none of these actions display Christian love. Rather, they could show that we have missed the purpose of the visit and the hard work  that such faithful ones do in our behalf.  What effect could such behavior have on those attending one of our assemblies for the first time? 

What will help us to be balanced? First, remember that praise and glory should go to Jehovah.  (Revelation 4:11) Second, realize that there is a big difference between respect and adulation. These brothers and their dear wives want to be treated, not as celebrities, but as our fellow brothers and sisters.  (Matthew 23:8) Third, apply the Golden Rule: "All things therefore, that you want me to do to you, you must also do to them." (Matthew 7:12)  If we keep these factors in mind, we will be able to show the type of love that "does not behave indecently."

Next time: IS BELIEF IN A CREATOR REASONABLE? -THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF ALL

From The Watchtower magazine