Love One Another Intensely - Conclusion of BE IMPARTIAL

Some may be partial without even realizing it.  Sarah, for example, thought that she was impartial because she did not judge people based on their race, their financial standing, or their position of responsibility in the congregation.  But she admits: " I began to realize that I really was partial.  In what way?  Sarah came from a well-educated family and preferred to associate with people who had the same background. Once she even told  a friend:  "I associate with fellow believers who are well-educated. I avoid those who are not."  Clearly, Sarah needed to change her attitude. How?

A circuit overseer helped Sarah to analyze her attitude. She relates: "He commended me for my faithful service, good comments, and knowledge of the Scriptures.  Then he explained that as our knowledge grows, we also need to cultivate such Christian qualities as humility, modesty, and mercy." Sarah took the circuit overseer's  words to heart.   She says: "I realize that what really matters is that we are kind and loving." As a result, she began to view her brothers and sisters  differently.  She explains: "I tried to understand what qualities make them precious to Jehovah." What about us? Never would we want to feel superior to others because of our education! If we have intense "love for the whole association of brothers," we will avoid being partial. - 1 PETER 2:17.

Next time: Love One Another Intensely - BE HOSPITABLE

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