"Go On Walking in Love"-"A Surpassing Way"

"Love never fails." What did Paul mean by those words? As seen in the context, he was discussing the gifts of the spirit that were present among early Christians.  Those gifts served as signs that God's favor was on the newly formed congregation. But not all Christians could heal, prophesy, or speak in tongues.  However, that did not matter; the miraculous gifts would eventually cease anyway.  Yet, something else would remain, something every Christian could cultivate.  It was more outstanding, more enduring, than any  miraculous gift.  In fact, Paul called it "a surpassing way."  (1 Corinthians 12:31)  What was this "surpassing way"? It was the way of love.


Indeed, the Christians love  that Paul described "never fails," that is, it will never come to an end. "To this day, self-sacrificing brotherly love identifies Jesus' true followers .  Do we not see the evidence of such love in the congregations of Jehovah's worshipers earth wise?  That love will last forever, for Jehovah promises everlasting life to his faithful servants.  (Psalm 37:9-11,29)  May we continue to do our best to "go on walking in love."  By doing so, we can experience the greater happiness that comes from giving.  More than that, we can keep on living-yes, keep on loving-for all eternity, in imitation of our loving God, Jehovah.


In this chapter concluding this section on love, we have discussed how we can show love for one another.  But in view of the many ways in which we benefit from Jehovah's love-as from his power, justice, and wisdom-we will do well to ask, 'How can I show Jehovah that I truly love him?'  That question will be considered in our final chapter.


Next time:  Chapter 31: "Draw Close to God, and He Will Draw Close to You"


From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah