Let Your Love Abound -Conclusion of "THE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS"

Note how one pioneer couple took Jesus' warning to heart.  They served in the congregation along with a newly baptized couple who came from a very conservative background.  This new couple believed that Christians should not go to the movies-even to see wholesome movies.  They were shocked when they learned that the pioneer couple had seen a movie. After that, the pioneer couple refrained from going to the movies, until the new disciples were able to train their own consciences to be more balanced.  (Hebrew 5:14)  By their own unselfish action, the pioneer couple  proved that they loved their new brother and sister not just in word but in deed. - ROMANS 14:19-21; 1 JOHN 3:18.

Another way we could stumble  someone is to induce him to commit a sin.  How could that happen?  Consider the scenario.  After a long, hard struggle, a Bible student is finally able to control his addiction to alcohol.  Later, a well-meaning host of a Christian gathering urges the new brother to accept an alcoholic beverage, saying: "You are a Christian now;  you have Jehovah's spirit.  One aspect of the holy spirit is self-control.  If you execute self-control, you should be able to make moderate use of alcohol."  We can only imagine what the consequences would be if the new brother were to listen to that misguided advice!

Our Christian meeting help us to apply the instructions given at Philippians 1:10 in a number of ways. First, the program of rich spiritual  food reminds us of what Jehovah considers to be more important.  Second, we learn how to apply what we learn so that we may be flawless.  And third, we  are  incited "to love and fine works." (Hebrews 10:24, 25)  The more we are encouraged by our brothers, the more our love for God and our brothers will grow.  When these two great loves fill our heart, we will do our very best to avoid stumbling our brothers. 

Next time: Let Your Love Abound - CONTINUE TO "BE FILLED WITH RIGHTEOUS FRUIT"

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