How We Put On and Keep On the New Personality -"CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH LOVE"

All the qualities thus far are closely connected with love.  For example, the disciple James had to counsel his brothers for favoring the rich over the poor.  He showed that such conduct violated the royal law:  "You  must love your neighbor as yourself." Then he added:  "If you continue showing favoritism, you are committing sin." (James 2:8, 9)  In contrast, love will move us to avoid any discrimination based one education, race, or social status.   Indeed, impartiality needs to be more than a veneer.  It must be a genuine part of  our personality.

Love is also "patient and kind" and "does not get puffed up."  (1 Corinthians 13:4)  It truly takes patience, kindness, humility to continue sharing in the Kingdom message with our neighbors.  (Matthew 28:19)  These same qualities make it easier for us to get along with all the brothers and sisters in the congregation.  What is the reward for showing such love?  (Note: We should have that patience etc for everyone, not just for certain people/groups)  It produces united congregations that reflect well on Jehovah and that attract newly interested ones. Fittingly, the Bible's description of the new personality concludes with this powerful truth:  "Besides these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union." -Colossians 3:14. 

"CONTINUE TO BE MADE NEW"

Each of us should ask themselves, 'What more can I do to strip off and keep off the old personality?'  We need to pray fervently for God's help and work hard to overcome any attitude or practice that will prevent us from inheriting God's Kingdom.  (Galatians 5:19-21) We also need to ask, 'Do I continue to be made new in my dominant mental attitude?' (Ephesians 4:23,24)  Putting on and keeping on the new personality is an ongoing  process for all Christians until we are able to do so to the full.  Imagine how wonderful life will be when everyone we know is clothed to perfection with the new personality!

Next time:  Imitate Jehovah's Compassion

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