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On The Subject- Love never faileth

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Rom 13:10

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

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About JW’S –but the Witnesses do not feel or treat others BAD because of what Satan has most likely caused.

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What It Means to Love Our Neighbor Plus--Who Is My Neighbor?

Jesus’ love extends to individuals Plus ACOMPANING ARTICLE

- Look for the Good in All – Subheadings Are

What It Means to Love Our Neighbor--Love for Our Christian Brothers

Love for Individuals and How Do We Love Our Neighbor as Ourselves?

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“You must love your neighbor as yourself.”—MATTHEW- 22:39 –

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WHAT does Jehovah require of those who worship him? In a few simple and profound words, Jesus summarized the answer. The greatest commandment, he said, is to love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Matthew 22:37 ; Mark 12:30) As we have seen in the preceding article, love of God involves obeying him and keeping his commandments in response to the love he has shown us. For those who love God, doing his will is not a burden; it brings them delight.—Psalm 40:8 ; 1 John 5:2 , 5:3

² The second greatest commandment, Jesus said, is linked to the first: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) It is to this commandment that we now give attention, and for good reason. The times in which we live are marked by a selfish, distorted form of love. In his inspired description of “the last days,” the apostle Paul wrote that people would love, not one another, but themselves, money, and pleasures. Many would have “no natural affection,” or as one Bible translation puts it, they would “lack normal affection for their families.” (2 Timothy 3:1 - 3:2- 3:3- 3:4 ) Jesus Christ foretold: “Many . . . will betray one another and will hate one another. . . . The love of the greater number will cool off.”—Matthew 24:10 , 24:12

³ Notice, however, that Jesus did not say that the love of everyone would cool off. There have always been and will always be those who display the sort of love that Jehovah both requires and deserves. Those who truly love Jehovah will strive to view others as he does. Who, though, is our neighbor whom we must love? How should we show love toward our neighbor? The Scriptures can help us to answer these important questions.

Who Is My Neighbor?

⁴ When telling the Pharisee that the second greatest commandment was to love one’s neighbor as oneself, Jesus was referring to a specific law given to Israel. It is recorded at Leviticus 19:18 In that same chapter, the Jews were told that they should view others besides fellow Israelites as their neighbors. Verse 34 states: 19:34 “The alien resident who resides as an alien with you should become to you like a native of yours; and you must love him as yourself, for you became alien residents in the land of Egypt.” Thus, even non-Jews, especially the proselytes, were to be treated with love.

⁵ The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day, however, saw the matter differently. Some taught that the terms “friend” and “neighbor” applied only to Jews. Non-Jews were to be hated. Such teachers reasoned that the godly must despise the godless. “In such an atmosphere,” says one reference work, “it was impossible for hatred to starve. It had plenty to feed on.”

⁶ In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed this issue, shedding light on who should be treated with love. He said: “You heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you; that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.

” (Matthew 5:43-45 Open [In Context|)

Here Jesus made two points. First, Jehovah is generous and kind to both the good and the bad. Second, we should follow his example.

⁷ On another occasion, a Jew well-versed in the Law asked Jesus: “Who really is my neighbor?” Jesus responded by relating a parable that described a Samaritan who came across a man, a Jew, who had been assaulted by robbers and stripped of his possessions. Even though Jews in general despised Samaritans, the Samaritan dressed the man’s wounds and brought him to the safety of an inn, where he could recover. The lesson? Our love of neighbor should extend to people other than those of our own race, nationality, or religion.—Luke 10:25, 29, 30, 33-37. [In Context|

What It Means to Love Our Neighbor

⁸ Love of neighbor, like love of God, is not merely a feeling; it involves action. It is helpful to consider further the context of the command recorded in Leviticus 19 that exhorts God’s people to love their neighbor as themselves. There we read that the Israelites were to allow afflicted ones and alien residents to share in the harvest. There was no room for stealing, deceiving, or dealing falsely. In judicial matters the Israelites should show no partiality. Though they were to give reproof when needed, they were specifically told: “You must not hate your brother in your heart.” These and many other commands were summed up in the words: “You must love your fellow as yourself.”—Leviticus 19:9-11, 15, 17, 18. [In Context|-[In Context|

⁹ While the Israelites were to show love to others, they were also to keep separate from those who worshipped false gods. Jehovah warned of the dangers and consequences of bad associations. For example, concerning the nations that the Israelites were to dispossess, Jehovah commanded: “You must form no marriage alliance with them. Your daughter you must not give to his son, and his daughter you must not take for your son. For he will turn your son from following me, and they will certainly serve other gods; and Jehovah’s anger will indeed blaze against you.”—Deuteronomy 7:3 - 7:4

¹⁰ Similarly, Christians guard against forming relationships with those who might weaken their faith. (1 Corinthians 15:33 ) We are admonished: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers,” those who are no part of the Christian congregation. (2 Corinthians 6:14) Further, Christians are counseled to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39 ) Yet, never should we be disdainful of those who do not share our belief in Jehovah. Christ died for sinners, and many who once practiced vile things changed their ways and became reconciled to God.—Romans 5:8 ; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. [In Context|

¹¹ In showing love to those who do not serve God, we can do no better than to imitate Jehovah himself. Though he is no lover of wickedness, he shows loving-kindness to all by extending to them the opportunity to turn back from their bad ways and receive everlasting life. (Ezekiel 18:23 18:23) Jehovah “desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 3:9 ) It is his will that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4 2:4) That is why Jesus commissioned his followers to preach and to teach and to “make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20 28:19- 28:20 ) By our participation in this work, we show love for both God and neighbor, yes, including even our enemies!

Love for Our Christian Brothers

¹² The apostle Paul wrote: “Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10 6:10 ) As Christians, we have an obligation to show love for those who are related to us in the faith—our spiritual brothers and sisters. How important is this love? Making this powerful point, the apostle John wrote: “Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer . If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 3:15 ;3:15 4:20 4:20) These are strong words. Jesus Christ applied the words “manslayer” and “liar” to Satan the Devil. (John 8:44 8:44) Never would we want those terms applied to us!

¹³ True Christians are “taught by God to love one another.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9 4:9) We are to love “neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18 3:18) Our love should be “without hypocrisy.” (Romans 12:9 12:9 ) Love moves us to be kind, compassionate, forgiving, long-suffering and not jealous, boastful, arrogant, or selfish. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5 13:4-13:5 Ephesians 4:32 4:32) It impels us to “slave for one another.” (Galatians 5:13 5:13) Jesus told his disciples to love one another just as he loved them. (John 13:34 13:34) A Christian should therefore be willing to give even his life in behalf of fellow believers when necessary.

¹⁴ Especially should love be manifested within a Christian family and particularly between husband and wife. So close is the marriage bond that Paul said: “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.” He added: “He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28 5:28) We find Paul repeating this admonition five verses later. A husband who loves his wife will not imitate the Israelites of Malachi’s day who dealt treacherously with their mates. (Malachi 2:14 2:14) He will cherish her. He will love her as Christ loved the congregation. Love will likewise move a wife to respect her husband.

—Ephesians 5:25, 5:25 29-33. [In Context

¹⁵ Clearly, this kind of love is the identifying mark of true Christians. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Our love for one another draws people to the God whom we love and represent. For example, from Mozambique comes this report about a Witness family. “We had never seen anything like it. In the afternoon, a fierce wind began to blow, followed by heavy rain and hailstones. The strong winds destroyed our reed house, and the zinc roofing sheets blew away. When our brothers from neighboring congregations came and helped to rebuild our house, our astonished neighbors said: ‘Your religion is very good. We have never received help like this from our church.’ We opened the Bible and showed them John 13:34, 35 13:34-13:35 Many of our neighbors are now studying the Bible.”

Love for Individuals

¹⁶ It is not difficult to love our neighbors collectively, as a group. Love for individuals, however, can prove to be a different matter. For example, some people’s love for neighbor goes no further than a donation to some charitable organization. Indeed, it is far easier to say that we love our neighbor than it is to love a coworker who seems not to care for us, an obnoxious person who lives next door, or a friend who disappoints us.

¹⁷ In this matter of love for individuals, we learn from Jesus, who perfectly reflected God’s qualities. Though he came to earth to take away the sin of the world, he showed love for individuals—a sickly woman, a leper, a child. (Matthew 9:20-22 [In Context|;

Mark 1:40-42; [In Context| 7:26, 7:26 29, 7:29 30; 7:30 John 1:29 1:29) Similarly, we show love for our neighbor by the way we deal with the individuals with whom we come in contact day by day.

¹⁸ Never should we forget, however, that love of neighbor is linked to love of God. Though Jesus helped the poor, healed the sick, and fed the hungry, his motive for doing all these things as well as for teaching the crowds was to help people become reconciled to Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 5:19 5:19) Jesus did all things for God’s glory, never forgetting that he represented and reflected the God whom he loved. (1 Corinthians 10:3110:31 ) By imitating Jesus’ example, we too can show genuine love of neighbor and at the same time remain no part of the world of wicked mankind.

How Do We Love Our Neighbor as Ourselves?

¹⁹ Jesus said: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” It is normal to care about ourselves and to have a healthy measure of self-respect. If that were not so, the commandment would have little meaning. This proper love of self is not to be confused with the egocentric love of self mentioned by the apostle Paul at 2 Timothy 3:2. 3:2 Rather, it is a reasonable sense of self-worth. One Bible scholar described it as “a balanced self-love that is neither a narcissistic ‘I am divine’ nor a masochistic ‘I am dirt.’”

²⁰ To love others as we love ourselves means that we view others as we want to be viewed and treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus said: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.”

(Matthew 7:12 7:12)

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Panta oun osa ean qelhte (5725) ina poiwsin (5725) umin oi anqrwpoi, outwv kai umeiv poieite (5720) autoiv; outov gar estin (5748) o nomov kai oi profhtai.

(This is the Golden Rule. Since it is in this place connected with our Lord's teaching on prayer,

the observance of this principle BCC -> Commentary on 7:12)

Notice that Jesus did not say to mull over what others have done to us in the past and then repay in kind. Instead, we are to think about how we would like to be treated and then act accordingly. Notice, too, that Jesus did not restrict his words to friends and brothers. He used the word “men,” perhaps to indicate that we should act in this way toward all people, everyone we meet.

²¹ Loving our neighbor will protect us from doing what is bad. The apostle Paul wrote: “The law code, ‘You must not commit adultery, You must not murder, You must not steal, You must not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this word, namely, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does not work evil to one’s neighbor.”

(Romans 13:9, 10 13:9 13:10) Love will move us to look for ways to work what is good toward others. By loving fellow humans, we demonstrate that we also love the one who created man in His image, Jehovah God.—Genesis 1:26. 1:26

How Would You Answer?

• To whom should we show love, and why?

• How can we show love to those who do not serve Jehovah?

• How does the Bible describe the love we should have for our brothers?

• What does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves?

[Study Questions]

1. How do we show that we love God?

2, 3. Why should we give attention to the commandment to love our neighbor, and what questions arise?

4. According to Leviticus chapter 19, to whom were the Jews to show love?

5. How did the Jews understand love of neighbor?

6. What two points did Jesus make when talking about love of neighbor?

7. What lesson do we learn from the parable of the neighborly Samaritan?

8. What does Leviticus chapter 19 say about how love was to be shown?

9. Why did Jehovah command the Israelites to keep separate from other nations?

10. Against what do we need to be on guard?

11. What is the best way to show love to those who do not serve Jehovah, and why?

12. What did the apostle John write about loving our brother?

13. In what ways can we show love for fellow believers?

14. How can we manifest love within the family?

15. What did observing brotherly love in action move some to say and do?

16. What is the difference between loving a group and loving individuals?

17, 18. How did Jesus show love to individuals, and with what motive did he do so?

19, 20. What does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves?

21. By showing love to others, what do we demonstrate? WT12-1-06

ACOMPANING ARTICLE

Look for the Good in All

“Do remember me, O my God, for good.”—NEHEMIAH 13:31. 13:31

and I arranged for the supply of wood at appointed times and for the first fruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

AFTER many cloudy and gray days, sunshine brings a welcome change. Spirits soar, and people experience a good feeling. Likewise, following long periods of blazing sunshine and dry weather, a shower of rain—even a cloudburst—provides refreshment and relief. Our loving Creator, Jehovah, has built into earth’s atmosphere this wonderful gift of weather. Jesus drew attention to God’s bounty when he taught: “Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you; that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45 5:43- 5:44- 5:45 ) Yes, Jehovah acts with goodness toward all. His servants should strive to imitate him by looking for the good in others.

² On what basis does Jehovah act with goodness? Ever since Adam’s fall into sin, Jehovah has not failed to look for the good in humans. (Psalm 130:3, 4) His purpose is to restore obedient mankind to life in Paradise. (Ephesians 1:9, 10 1:9- 1:10)

His undeserved kindness has given us the prospect of deliverance from sin and imperfection through the promised Seed. (Genesis 3:15 3:15; Romans 5:12, 5:1215 5:15) Acceptance of the ransom arrangement paves the way for an eventual return to perfection. Jehovah is now observing each of us to see, among other things, our reaction to his generosity. (1 John 3:16 3:16)

He notices whatever we do to demonstrate our appreciation for his goodness. “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name,” wrote the apostle Paul.—Hebrews 6:10.- 6:10

³ How, then, can we imitate Jehovah in looking for the good in others? Let us consider answers to this question in four areas of life: (1) the Christian ministry, (2) the family, (3) the congregation, and (4) our relationships with others.

In Preaching and Disciple Making

⁴ “The field is the world,” Jesus explained in answer to his disciples’ queries about the meaning of the parable of the wheat and the weeds. As Christ’s modern-day disciples, we recognize this truth when engaging in our ministry. (Matthew 13:36-38; 13:36- 13:37

13:38

28:19, 20 28:19-28:20) Our field ministry involves the public declaration of our faith. The very fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses are now well-known for their ministry from house to house and on the streets testifies to our diligence in seeking out all who are deserving of the Kingdom message. Indeed, Jesus instructed: “Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving.

”—Matthew 10:11; 10:11 Acts 17:17; 17:17 20:20.-20:20

⁵ When making uninvited calls on people, we observe their reaction to our message. Sometimes we find that one member of a household will give us a hearing ear, while another from within the home calls out, “We are not interested,” and the visit ends. How sorry we feel that opposition or lack of interest on the part of one person affects the response of another! What, then, can we do to persevere in looking for the good in all?

⁶ Our next visit to the home when we preach in that area may provide an opportunity to speak directly to the person who curtailed the earlier visit. Remembering what happened at that time can help us to prepare. The opposer may have acted with good motives, believing that he should stop the responsive one from listening to the Kingdom message. His views were perhaps shaped by false information about our intentions. But that does not prevent us from persisting in preaching the Kingdom good news at that home, tactfully trying to correct misunderstandings. We are interested in helping all to come to an accurate knowledge of God. Then perhaps Jehovah will draw that person to him.—John 6:44; 6:44-1 Timothy 2:4.- 2:4

⁷ Jesus’ instructions to his disciples took into account family opposition. Did he not state: “I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law”? Jesus added: “A man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.” (Matthew 10:35, 36 10:35- 10:36) Yet, circumstances and attitudes change. A sudden illness, loss of a relative, disasters, emotional crises, and countless other factors influence people’s reaction to our preaching. If we have a negative view—that the people to whom we preach will remain unresponsive—are we really looking for the good in them? Why not joyfully revisit their homes on another occasion? We may find a different reaction. Sometimes it is not only what we say but the way we say it that elicits a changed response. Fervent prayer to Jehovah before we start preaching will surely help us to be positive and to present the Kingdom message in an appealing way to all.—Colossians 4:6; 4:6-1 Thessalonians 5:17.- 5:17

⁸ In some congregations many members of the same family serve Jehovah. Often what captured the admiration and respect of younger ones was the perseverance of an older relative whose good relationships within the family and within the marriage bond paved the way for a change of heart in the younger ones. Heeding the apostle Peter’s counsel has helped many a Christian wife to win her husband “without a word.”—1 Peter 3:1, 2. 3:1-3:2

In the Family

⁹ The close ties that link members of a family together provide another area in which we can look for the good in others. Consider a lesson from Jacob’s dealings with his sons. At Genesis chapter 37, verses 3 and 4, 37:3- 37:4 the Bible indicates that Jacob especially loved Joseph. Joseph’s siblings reacted jealously, even to the point of conspiring to murder their brother. However, note the attitudes of Jacob and Joseph later in their lives. Both looked for the good in their family.

¹⁰ When Joseph was serving as chief food administrator in famine-stricken Egypt, he welcomed his brothers. While not immediately revealing his identity, he maneuvered events to ensure that they were well cared for and had food to take back to their aging father. Yes, despite having been the victim of their hatred, Joseph acted in their best interests.

(Genesis 41:53 41:53 –42:8;- 42:8 45:23 45:23)

Likewise, on his deathbed Jacob pronounced prophetic blessings on all his sons. Though their wrong actions resulted in the curtailment of some privileges, no one was excluded from receiving an inheritance in the land. (Genesis 49:3-28) What a wonderful expression of enduring love Jacob there demonstrated!

¹¹ Jehovah’s long-suffering in dealing with the faithless nation of Israel provides further insight into how he looks for the good in his people. Using the family circumstances of the prophet Hosea, Jehovah illustrated his enduring love. Gomer, Hosea’s wife, committed repeated acts of adultery. Despite that, Jehovah instructed Hosea: “Go once again, love a woman loved by a companion and committing adultery, as in the case of Jehovah’s love for the sons of Israel while they are turning to other gods and are loving raisin cakes.” (Hosea 3:1) Why such instructions? Jehovah knew that from among the nation that had strayed from his ways, individuals would respond to his forbearance. Hosea declared: “Afterwards the sons of Israel will come back and certainly look for Jehovah their God, and for David their king; and they will certainly come quivering to Jehovah and to his goodness in the final part of the days.” (Hosea 3:5) Surely this is a fine example on which to reflect when faced with family difficulties. Your continuing to look for the good in other family members will at least set a fine example in forbearance.

¹² Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son offers yet more insight into how we can look for the good in connection with our own family. The younger son returned home after he quit his profligate life. The father treated him mercifully. How did the father react to complaints from the older son who had never left his family? Addressing his older son, the father declared: “Child, you have always been with me, and all the things that are mine are yours.” This was no bitter rebuff but simply confirmation of the father’s love. “We just had to enjoy ourselves and rejoice,” he continued, “because this your brother was dead and came to life, and he was lost and was found.” We can similarly keep looking for the good in others.—Luke 15:11-32.Open [In Context|

In the Christian Congregation

¹³ As Christians, we aim to practice the kingly law of love. (James 2:1-9 [In Context 2:8 2:9 ) True, we may accept members of our congregation whose situation differs from ours materially. But do we have “class distinctions” based on racial, cultural, or even religious backgrounds? If so, how can we take James’ counsel to heart?

¹⁴ Welcoming all who attend Christian meetings gives evidence of our large-heartedness. When we take the initiative to speak to new ones who visit the Kingdom Hall, any initial nervousness and self-consciousness on their part may well disappear. Indeed, some who attend a Christian meeting for the very first time remark: “Everyone was so friendly. It seemed as though everyone knew me already. I felt at home.”

¹⁵ In some congregations, a few youths may gather together inside or outside the Kingdom Hall at the end of a meeting, shying away from association with older ones. How might something positive be done to overcome this trend? A first step, of course, is for parents to train their children at home, preparing them for meetings. (Proverbs 22:6 22:6) They can be given the task of getting various publications ready so that all will have what is needed to take along with them to meetings. Parents are also in the best position to encourage their children to share a few thoughts with older and infirm ones at the Kingdom Hall. Having something purposeful to say to such ones can give children a feeling of satisfaction.

¹⁶ Older brothers and sisters should take an interest in the young ones in the congregation. (Philippians 2:4 2:4 ) They could take the initiative to speak to young ones in an encouraging way. Usually some outstanding points are developed during the meeting. Young ones could be asked if they enjoyed the meeting and whether there were any points that they especially appreciated and that could be applied. As an integral part of the congregation, youths should be given recognition for their attentiveness and commended for any comments they make during the meeting or for any share they have in program parts. The way in which youths interact with older ones in the congregation and the way they take care of simple chores at home will indicate that they can likely care well for greater responsibilities later on in life.—Luke 16:10.- 16:10

¹⁷ By accepting responsibility, some youngsters progress to the point where their spiritual qualities enable them to receive weightier assignments. Having something to do may also help to stifle foolish conduct. (2 Timothy 2:22 2:22) Such assignments may ‘test as to fitness’ brothers who are reaching out to serve as ministerial servants. (1 Timothy 3:10 3:10 ) Their ready participation at the meetings and their zeal in the ministry, as well as their caring attitude toward all in the congregation, enable the elders to discern their potential when considering them for additional assignments.

Looking for the Good in All

¹⁸ “The showing of partiality in judgment is not good,” declares Proverbs 24:23 24:23 Heavenly wisdom dictates that elders avoid partiality when judging matters in the congregation. James declared: “The wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical.” (James 3:17 3:17 ) Obviously, while looking for the good in others, elders need to ensure that their judgment is not beclouded by personal relationships or emotions. “God is stationing himself in the assembly of the Divine One,” wrote the psalmist Asaph. “In the middle of the gods [“godlike ones,” footnote, referring to human judges] he judges: ‘How long will you keep on judging with injustice and showing partiality to the wicked themselves?’” (Psalm 82:1, 2 82:1- 82:2) Accordingly, Christian elders shun any hint of favoritism where matters involving a friend or relative are concerned. In this way they preserve the unity of the congregation and allow Jehovah’s spirit to flow freely.—1 Thessalonians 5:23.- 5:23

¹⁹ In looking for the good in our brothers and sisters, we reflect Paul’s attitude when he addressed the Thessalonian congregation. He said: “Moreover, we have confidence in the Lord regarding you, that you are doing and will go on doing the things we order.” (2 Thessalonians 3:4 3:4) We will be more inclined to cover over the faults of others when we look for the good in them. We will search out areas in which we can commend our brothers, certainly avoiding a critical spirit. “What is looked for in stewards,” wrote Paul, “is for a man to be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 4:2) The faithfulness not only of those having stewardship of the congregation but of all our Christian brothers and sisters endears them to us. We are thus drawn closer to them, strengthening the bonds of Christian friendship. We adopt a view like that of Paul toward brothers in his day. They are “fellow workers for the kingdom of God” and “a strengthening aid” to us. (Colossians 4:11 4:11 ) We thus manifest Jehovah’s attitude.

²⁰ Surely we echo Nehemiah’s prayer: “Do remember me, O my God, for good.” (Nehemiah 13:31 13:31) How glad we are that Jehovah looks for the good in people! (1 Kings 14:13 14:13 ) May we act likewise in our dealings with others. Doing so offers us the prospect of redemption and life eternal in the new world now so near.—Psalm 130:3-8. [In Context|

130:5

I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.

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Psalms 130:1-4 - [Verse 3 in Original Hebrew]

1 Out of the depths ^R4142 I have cried to You, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear ^R4143 my voice! Let Your ^R4144 ears be attentive To the voice ^R4145 of my supplications. 3 If You, LORD, ^F1413 should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? ^R4146 4 But there is forgiveness ^R4147 with You, That You may be feared. ^R4148

Psalms 130:5-8 - [Verse 5 in Original Hebrew]

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul ^R4149 does wait, And in ^F1414 ^R4150 His word do I hope. 6 My soul {waits} for the Lord More than the watchmen for ^R4151 the morning; {Indeed, more than} the watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope ^R4152 in the LORD; For with the LORD there is loving-kindness, ^R4153 And with Him is abundant ^R4154 redemption. 8 And He will redeem ^R4155 Israel From all his iniquities.

• On what basis does Jehovah act with goodness toward all?

• How can we look for the good in others

• in our ministry?

• in our family?

• in our congregation?

• in all our relationships?

[Study Questions]

1. How does Jehovah act with goodness toward all?

2. (a) On what basis does Jehovah act with goodness? (b) What notice does Jehovah take of how we respond to his goodness?

3. What question deserves our consideration?

4. How is participation in the Christian ministry an expression of looking for the good in others?

5, 6. Why do we persevere in making repeated visits to people in their homes?

7. What can help us to be positive when we approach people?

8. What can result when Christians look for the good in their unbelieving relatives?

9, 10. How did both Jacob and Joseph look for the good in their family?

11, 12. (a) What prophetic example emphasizes the importance of looking for the good within the family? (b) What lesson do we learn from the example of the father in Jesus’ illustration of the prodigal son?

13, 14. What is one way to practice the kingly law of love within the Christian congregation?

15. How can young ones in the congregation be helped to show an interest in the older ones?

16, 17. How can adults look for the good in younger ones in the congregation?

18. What pitfall as to judging is to be avoided, and why?

19. In what ways can we look for the good in others?

20. What blessings will come to those who look for the good in all?

Despite his brothers’ earlier hatred toward him, Joseph looked for their good

Opposition does not prevent us from trying to help all

Despite their past, none of Jacob’s sons were excluded from his blessings

Welcome all at Christian meetings----WT6-15-03

You must---notice the word must and compare John4-24.htm and John4-20-26.htm

Matthew Matt 22-37 He replied, ‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, life, and mind. 38 This is the first and the greatest Commandment. 39 The second, like it, is, You must love your neighbor as yourself. 40 These two commandments are the basis of the whole Law and the Prophets.’

2001 Translation Commentary-These two commandments

http://www.2001translation.com/Laws.html

For a balance view of life with the good and bad to deal with

The Following is appropriate

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Disfellowshiping

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Disfellowshiping

What Verses deal with Excommunicating and/or disfellowshiping

Disfellowshiping is for those who no longer let themselves be corrected

Open

DisfellowshippingDisciplineOrPunishment.htm

And there are Other Links

And all verses quoted for you –You can open the linked verses

Concerning WT’s date prophesying down through the years since 1879---

Their Revelations Book of 1988 (latest print update 2006) States the following on page 9

Chapter 2

The Grand Theme of the Bible

Interpreting the Scriptures The mysteries locked up in the book of Revelation have for long baffled sincere students of the Bible. In God’s due time, those secrets had to be unlocked, but how, when, and to whom? Only God’s spirit could make known the meaning as the appointed time drew near.

(Revelation 1:3) 1:3 Those sacred secrets would be revealed to God’s zealous slaves on earth so that they would be strengthened to make known his judgments. (Matthew 13:10, 11) 13:10- 13:11 It is not claimed that the explanations in this publication are infallible. Like Joseph of old, we say: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40:8) 40:8 At the same time, however, we firmly believe that the explanations set forth herein harmonize with the Bible in its entirety, showing how remarkably divine prophecy has been fulfilled in the world events of our catastrophic times.

Chapter 7 Page 33

Rekindle That First Love!

Paragraph 12

¹² At a historic convention, attended by 18,000 of these Christians, at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., September 5-13, 1922, the call went out: “Back to the field, O ye sons of the most high God! . . . The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. . . . Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.” Jehovah’s precious name was being made more prominent. In 1931 these Christians, assembled in convention at Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., rejoiced to embrace and take the name indicated by God in Isaiah’s prophecy—Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10, 12) 43:10--43:12-Open LORD, -With its issue of March 1, 1939, the name of the organization’s principal journal was changed to The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom, thus giving primary honor to our Creator and his royal government. Jehovah’s Witnesses, with renewed love for Jehovah,

have repented of any possible previous failure to honor and magnify his illustrious name and Kingdom.—Psalm 106:6, 47, 48. 106:6- 106:47- 106:48

When there is a turning to Jehovah, the veil is taken away.—2 Cor. 3:16--. 3:16

Moses reflected God’s glory not merely by the rays that emanated from his face for a time but also through his efforts to assist the Israelites to come to know and serve Jehovah. (Ex. 33:18– 33:18 34:7, 29) 34:7-34:29 In heaven, Jesus directly beheld the glory of God for untold ages, even since before the universe was created. (Prov. 8:22, 30) Prov8-22.htm 8:30 During all that time, a deeply loving and affectionate relationship developed. Like Moses and Jesus, we as God’s present-day Witnesses on earth are eager to contemplate Jehovah’s glory. We have not turned away from the glorious good news. We study the Scriptures because we want to do God’s will. We admire the glory reflected in the face of Jehovah’s Son and anointed King, Jesus Christ, and we imitate his example. Like Moses and like Jesus, we have been blessed with a ministry, teaching others about the glorious God whom we worship. w 8/15/05 13-15a

More in N011.htm and Compare the ImitateRule.htm

This is the way. Walk in it, you people.—Isa. 30:21. 30:21

Early in human history, the first couple made a decision that brought disastrous consequences. They chose to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. (Gen. 2:16, 17) 2:16-2:17What was the basis for their decision? “The woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was something to be longed for to the eyes, yes, the tree was desirable to look upon,” says the Bible. “So she began taking of its fruit and eating it. Afterward she gave some also to her husband when with her and he began eating it.” (Gen. 3:6) 3:6 Eve’s choice was based on selfish desire. Her action led Adam to join her. As a result, sin and death “spread to all men.” (Rom. 5:12) 5:12 Adam and Eve’s disobedience should teach us a vital lesson concerning man’s limitations: Unless he adheres to divine guidance, man is prone to make wrong decisions. How glad we can be that Jehovah God has not left us without direction! w 3/15/06 4, 5

Compare -- God’s Laws and Principles-- http://www.2001translation.com/Linked_Commentaries.htm

Is it wrong to want the end of the Gentile Rule (Gentile Times) to end and for Jesus to start His 1000 Yr Reign?

The Fact Is That Most All Proclaimed Christian Groups Has hoped that it would come in their life time—

Since the 1^st Century Onward-

Name of Book: Acts

Writer: Luke

Place Written: Rome

Writing Completed (C.E.): c. 61

Time Covered: 33–c. 61 C.E.

Acts 1:6

So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel ?"

Oi men oun sunelqontev (5631) hrwtwn (5707) auton legontev, (5723) Kurie, ei en tw| xronw| toutw| apokaqistaneiv (5719) thn basileian tw| Israhl?

Here are

Two Verses that you can rely on that can be taken literality for Christians ---or Jesus wouldn’t had said it --Matt 24:13

"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

o de upomeinav (5660) eiv telov outov swqhsetai. (5701)

24:14

"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations,

and then the end will come.

kai khruxqhsetai (5701) touto to euaggelion thv basileiav en olh| th| oikoumenh| eiv marturion pasin toiv eqnesin, kai tote hcei to telov.

Compare HARVESTwork.htm and

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 - [Verse 9 in Original Greek]

8 Love never fails; but if {there are gifts of} prophecy, ^F146 ^R515 they will be done away; if {there are} tongues, ^R516 they will cease; if {there is} knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know ^R517 in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became ^F147 a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see ^R518 in a mirror dimly, ^F148 but then face ^R519 to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have ^R520 been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest ^F149 of these is love.

^R521 13:9 - [In Context

Scriptures To Focus On Before Armageddon 1 Thess 5:3-- Chapter 38 - Read Chapter

Rev 20:1--20:2--20:3—TheGreatHopeRev21-22-7.htm--- SatanAndJesus.htm

BCC -> Commentary on 13:9
DSN -> Synopsis on 13:9
GEB -> Study Notes on 13:9
JFB -> Commentary on 13:9
MHC-COM -> Commentary on 13:9
MHC-CON -> Commentary on 13:9
PNT -> Commentary on 13:9
RWP -> Study Notes on 13:9
TSK -> Commentary on 13:9 TSK -> Entry for 13:9
WEN -> Notes on 13:9
NTB -> Charitableness; Ignorance; Knowledge; Love; Readings, Select; Religion; Righteousness; Sanctification
TTT -> Conduct, Christian; Language
EBD -> Charity
PWP -> Devotional using 13:9

Burton Coffman
· Darby's Synopsis
· Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
· Matthew Henry Complete
· Matthew Henry Concise
· People's New Testament
· Robertson's Word Pictures
· Treasury of Scripture
· Wesley's Explanatory Notes

[Origin: 1640–50; literal + -ity]

Until the Millennium arrives Christians are to live the scriptures.

The Second you are Born you start Deteriorating to Die (Rom 5:12 ) So any healing is Temporary!!

When Your Doctors Treatment Fails To Heal You—You are History!! Until The Resurrection.

Some say God heals only The Young?

Is God only partial to the Young? How Old is Young?-- 40- 45-55 -65 -75 -85 -95 ?

Are Young People More Righteous then Older People ? or is it usually the other way around ?

Scriptural Answer

Acts 10:35(MKJV)

but in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with Him.

Study Miracles.htm

Compare all commentary

BCC -> Commentary on 24:13
DSN -> Synopsis on 24:13
GEB -> Study Notes on 24:13
GSB -> Study Notes on 24:13
JFB -> Commentary on 24:13
MHC-COM -> Commentary on 24:13
MHC-CON -> Commentary on 24:13
PNT -> Commentary on 24:13
RWP -> Study Notes on 24:13
TFG -> Commentary on 24:13
TSK -> Commentary on 24:13 TSK -> Entry for 24:13
WEN -> Notes on 24:13
NTB -> Decision; Jesus, The Christ (continued); Perseverance; Salvation; Stability
TTT -> Christ, the Prophet; Jerusalem; Perseverance; Prophets; Second Coming of Christ, The
WJD -> Devotional using 24:13
WJD -> Devotional using 24:13

Burton Coffman
· Darby's Synopsis
· Geneva Study Bible
· Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
· Matthew Henry Complete
· Matthew Henry Concise
· People's New Testament
· Robertson's Word Pictures
· The Fourfold Gospel
· Treasury of Scripture
· Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Coming, Presence Is parousias

--in Greek- coming is erchomenon

Compare all Bibles on Coming, Presence, or Nearness—parousias

Based on research of the Aramaic texts 2001 Translation have added and/or revised the following

paragraphs of our linked document Coming, Presence, or Nearness-- PresenceOrComing.htm

New World Translation NWT is Online But No Built in Commentary---For Contact Information Open Contact Us. SBT Recognizes the WT as a Reliable Source for Non-Trinitarian Oneness Truth and will start adding their articles for You to Compare them with other Articles Here or anywhere you choose to do so—9-1-2006 You can also contract a JW expert to confirm any article and ask further questions .It is recommended that you ask the expert if they are an active JW in good standings.—Because the disassociated or disfellowshiped are not likely to have the lastest WT articles Open http://www.allexperts.com/browse.cgi?catLvl=3&catID=1617 http://allexperts.com/expert.cgi?m=Plus OpenTopics for: Jehovah`s Witness Before Writing Check out Open http://www.jw-media.org/people/contribute.htm Two Locations Beliefs -BELIEFS Plus you can see if Word IQ
3 Beliefs and doctrines has got it right Jehovah's Witnesses Compare OccultPlus.htm

Jehovah's Witnesses are an international Christian denomination whose members

believe that their faith is the restoration of first-century Christianity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses

Restorationism refers to unaffiliated religious movements that attempted to transcend Protestant denominationalism and orthodox Christian creeds to restore Christianity to its original form.

Acts 15:14

"Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.

We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.—Acts 4:20. 4:20

Suppose you were called to testify in court against a ruthless criminal. You know that the criminal has a powerful organization and will use every means to prevent you from exposing him. For you to bear witness against such a criminal would require courage as well as confidence that the authorities would protect you from him. We are in a similar situation. In bearing witness to Jehovah and his purposes, we testify against Satan the Devil, exposing him as a manslayer and a liar who is misleading the entire inhabited earth.

(John 8:44 8:44 ; Rev. 12:9) 12:9

To take your stand for Jehovah and against the Devil requires both faith and courage. Jehovah is, of course, the Supreme One. His power is infinitely superior to that of Satan. We may be sure that Jehovah is not only able but also eager to protect us as we serve him loyally.—2 Chron. 16:9 16:9 . w 8/15/05 5-7

Jehu annihilated Baal out of Israel.—2 Ki. 10:28.