How We Put On and Keep On the New Personality - "YOU ARE ALL ONE"

After exhorting us to put on the new personality, Paul goes on to describe impartiality as one striking characteristic of the new personality.  He stated: 
"There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave, or freeman." In the congregation, why should there be no distinction based on race, nationality, or social status?  Because the true followers of Christ are all one." -Colossians 3:11; Galatians 3:28.

Those clothed with the new personality treat fellow believers and outsiders with dignity, regardless of  their social or racial background.  (Romans 2:11) This can be a challenge in some parts of the world. For example, in South Africa most Witnesses still live in areas that were set apart for their race-be it affluent suburbs, black townships, or areas where people of mixed race once had to live. Hence, to encourage our brothers to "widen out," In October 2013 the Governing Body approved a special arrangement to help  the brothers to get to k now one another better. (2 Corinthians 6:13)  What did it involve? 

Arrangements were made for two congregations of different language or race to be together on some weekends. Brothers and sisters from both congregations shared in the preaching work, attended meetings together, and enjoyed hospitality at the homes of one another.  Hundreds of congregations took part, and the branch office received many good reports about this arrangement, even from outsiders.  For example, one religious minister was move to say, "I a not a Witness, but I will say that you have an outstandingly organized preaching work, and you have racial unity."  How did the arrangement affect the Witnesses? 

At first, a Xhosa-speaking sister named Noma had reservations about inviting white brothers from an English-language congregation to her modest home.  But after sharing in the preaching work with the white Witnesses and enjoying hospitality in their homes, she exclaimed.  "They are normal people just like us!"  So when it was the turn of the Xhosa-language congregation to extend  hospitality to the English-language congregation, she prepared a meal and invited some visitors. Among her guests was a white elder.  Noma said, I was impressed that he was willing to sit close to the floor on a plastic crate."  As a result of this ongoing arrangement, many brothers and sisters made new friends and are determined to continue to widen out in their associations. 

Next time: How We Put On and Keep On the New Personality-"TENDER AFFECTIONS OF COMPASSION, KINDNESS"

From the jw.org publications