What Does Jehovah Require of You?

“He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”​—Mic. 6:8.

1. To whom was the question found at Micah 6:8 addressed, and why?

SINCERE persons may ask: ‘What must we do to please God?’ But it was not to such rightly disposed seekers for Jehovah God that his prophet addressed the question at Micah 6:8. Rather, that question was directed to a people against whom the Almighty God had a legal case. (Mic. 6:1, 2) This people, Israel, had disregarded its covenant obligations with the Most High. The result was a deplorable moral breakdown. Fraud, oppression, injustices, idolatry and bloodshed abounded. So bad was the situation that a person could not trust his most intimate friends and relatives.​—Mic. 1:5; 2:1, 2; 3:1-3; 6:12; 7:2-6.

2. What did Jehovah’s announcing a legal case against the Israelites give them an opportunity to do?

² Hence, by announcing a legal case against his unfaithful people, Jehovah was issuing a call to repentance. The Israelites were being put on notice that they could escape adverse judgment by taking positive steps to come into an approved standing with their God. What would this require? External forms of worship, including the offering up of the choicest sacrifices, were not enough. (Mic. 6:6, 7) The prophecy of Micah declared: “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”​—Mic. 6:8.

‘TOLD WHAT IS GOOD’

3. What had the Israelites been taught through Moses regarding what is good?

³ Jehovah God had not left his people in ignorance regarding what is good. Centuries earlier, Moses said to the Israelites: “What is Jehovah your God asking of you but to fear Jehovah your God, so as to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul; to keep the commandments of Jehovah and his statutes that I am commanding you today, for your good?”​—Deut. 10:12, 13.

4. How would the Israelites benefit from loving Jehovah and obeying his commands?

⁴ In every way it was in Israel’s best interests to show deep love for Jehovah God and to adhere loyally to his commands. Obedience to divine law assured them of Jehovah’s protection and continued blessing in every undertaking of theirs. (Deut. 28:1-13) On the other hand, disregard for divine law would result in insecurity and ruin.​—Deut. 28:15-68.

5. Why does obedience to Jehovah promote our greatest good?

⁵ Similarly, persons today who have genuine love for God and who seek to follow his guidelines are pursuing a course that promotes their greatest good. Why is this? Since Jehovah is an all-wise and loving God, he has given only such commands as would further man’s welfare. (Rom. 16:27; 1 John 4:8; 5:3) Love is the very basis for all divine laws governing human relations. The apostle Paul emphasized this when he wrote: “Do not you people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another; for he that loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. For 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; therefore love is the law’s fulfillment.” (Rom. 13:8-10) Clearly, if humans everywhere would display true neighbor love, this would result in happiness, peace and security.

6. Why is it only right to love Jehovah and to obey his commands?

⁶ Furthermore, it is only right that we express our love for God by being obedient to his commands. (2 John 6) “By him we have life and move and exist.” (Acts 17:28) Therefore, our attitude should be like that of the 24 elders seen by the apostle John in vision. They exclaimed: “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.”​—Rev. 4:11.

“EXERCISE JUSTICE”

7. (a) In connection with justice, what did God’s law require of the Israelites? (b) How would the exercise of justice have benefited the people in Micah’s day?

⁷ Because Jehovah God “is a lover of righteousness and justice,” he required that the Israelites imitate him in this respect. (Ps. 33:5) His law ruled out bribery and demanded that justice be administered impartially to the rich and the poor. We read: “You must not pervert judgment. You must not be partial or accept a bribe, for the bribe blinds the eyes of wise ones and distorts the words of righteous ones. Justice​—justice you should pursue, in order that you may keep alive.” (Deut. 16:19, 20) “Practice no unfairness in a court decision; you shall neither favor the poor nor show deference to the influential; judge your neighbor with fairness.” (Lev. 19:15, The New Berkeley Version) Truly, Israel’s responding to the urging to “exercise justice” would have improved conditions in the days of Micah. Oppression would have been kept in check. Law and order would have been restored, leading to peace, security and stability.

8. (a) When are Christian elders required to exercise justice, and how can they do so? (b) How is justice involved in heeding the admonition of 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15?

⁸ Christians, too, are under command to “exercise justice.” Elders may need to determine whether a particular Christian brother qualifies to serve as a ministerial servant or as an elder. Only by sticking loyally to God’s Word and relying on the guidance of his spirit can they handle this matter impartially. Also, they may be called on to arrive at decisions concerning fellow believers who commit serious sins. (1 Cor. 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 5:20-22, 24, 25) Likewise, individual Christians may have to determine whether the unruly conduct of certain persons associated with the congregation makes them undesirable companions. Here, too, the proper exercise of justice would require that such a decision be based on God’s Word and not on personal prejudice or on unscriptural opinions. The motive for stopping association with certain fellow believers in a social way should be a desire to help to bring home to them the need to change their ways. It would not mean being unkind to such persons, ‘treating them as enemies.’ These individuals should continue to be ‘admonished as brothers.’ (2 Thess. 3:11-15) Of course, this also serves to protect those who follow the Bible’s advice in this matter from coming under an unwholesome influence.​—2 Tim. 2:20-22.

9. According to James 4:11, 12, how might a Christian fail to exercise justice toward a fellow believer?

⁹ However, if Christians were to judge a fellow believer’s actions, motives or manner of living by their own standards, making an unauthorized assessment of the person’s worth, they would make themselves guilty of a serious failure to exercise justice. Note what the disciple James wrote: “Quit speaking against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against law and judges law. Now if you judge law, you are, not a doer of law, but a judge. One there is that is lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But you, who are you to be judging your neighbor?” (Jas. 4:11, 12) Individuals who so judge would be setting themselves above the law of love that God gives, judging that law of love as not applying to them. (Matt. 22:36-39; compare 1 John 3:16.) In so doing, they would be violating Jehovah’s standard of justice, which is based on love.

10. Why is it unjust to view one particular group of people as being more deserving of the “good news” than is another group?

¹⁰ Furthermore, it would be unjust for a Christian to view one particular group of people as being more deserving of the “good news” than is another group. Jesus Christ died for all mankind, and it is God’s will that no partiality be shown in making known the message of salvation. (1 Tim. 2:3-6) Hence, in lands where it is possible to visit people in their homes with the Bible’s message, it would certainly be in keeping with the spirit of impartiality to call at every door. While certain groups of people may be more inclined to listen, we need to guard against succumbing to feelings of favoritism.​—Compare James 2:1-9.

“LOVE KINDNESS”

11. What is the significance of the expression “to love kindness”?

¹¹ Besides being required to exercise justice, the Israelites were commanded “to love kindness.” The expression “to love kindness” may also be rendered “to love loving-kindness,” or, “to love loyal love.” Such “loving-kindness” is an active compassionate concern or regard for others. It is kindness that manifests itself in deeds. (Compare Ruth 2:8-20; 3:10.) “To love kindness” would mean to find pleasure or delight in expressing kindness, cheerfully coming to the aid of others.

12. What shows that Jesus Christ did indeed “love kindness”?

¹² Jesus Christ set an excellent example in this regard. Even when he was tired and his privacy was interrupted, he gladly responded to the needs of his fellow countrymen. Regarding one occasion, the Scriptures report: “He took [the apostles] along and withdrew to privacy into a city called Bethsaida. But the crowds, getting to know it, followed him. And he received them kindly and began to speak to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those needing a cure.” (Luke 9:10, 11) It brought great delight to Jesus to show such kindness.

13. How might we today show that we “love kindness”?

¹³ If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, do you “love kindness”? Do you put personal comforts and desires in a secondary position so that you can be wholehearted in giving material and spiritual aid to those in need? As in the case of Jesus, are feelings of compassion stirred within you when you see the sad spiritual plight of those lacking accurate knowledge? (Mark 6:34) Do you eagerly and cheerfully bring spiritual comfort to others, including acquaintances and relatives? Are you also setting aside time each month to have a reasonable share in public witnessing? (Compare Revelation 22:1, 2, 17.) When you see fellow believers or others in real physical need, are you moved to come to their aid? (Prov. 3:27, 28; 2 Cor. 8:1-4; 9:6-12) Certainly, this should be the case if we do indeed “love kindness.”

“BE MODEST IN WALKING WITH YOUR GOD”

14. What is the sense of the Hebrew term rendered “modest”?

¹⁴ The prophecy of Micah also encouraged the Israelites: “Be modest in walking with your God.” Since the Hebrew term rendered “modest” at Micah 6:8 appears only here and at Proverbs 11:2, the full significance of the word is not readily discerned. Later Jewish writings indicate that this Hebrew term conveys the thought of purity and decency. The Septuagint Version and the Syriac present the idea of being “prepared” or “ready” to walk with God. Hence, rather than being simply a matter of humility, modest walking with Jehovah evidently includes being in a fit, unassuming, not self-reliant state before him.

15. As illustrated in the case of Enoch and Noah, what is meant by ‘walking with God’?

¹⁵ The expression ‘to walk with God,’ appears much earlier in the Bible record. For instance, the prophet Enoch and the patriarch Noah are spoken of as walking with God. Regarding Noah, we read: “Noah was a righteous man. He proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God.” (Gen. 5:24; 6:9) Enoch, too, “pleased God well.” (Heb. 11:5) Therefore, walking with God involves conducting ourselves as if we were in his very presence, conforming to his will. Both Enoch and Noah enjoyed a special intimacy with Jehovah God because of their faith and upright conduct.

16. (a) If we are going to be modest in walking with God, what should be true of our conduct? (b) What good can result from a Christian’s praiseworthy example in living?

¹⁶ For Christians to be in a suitable condition to continue enjoying an intimacy with Jehovah God, they must be modest to the point of walking with him, remaining holy, unassuming and decent in his eyes. The Scriptures counsel: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection.” (1 Pet. 2:12) Yes, a fine example in Christian living adds force to the public preaching of the “good news.” It proves that true worship affects the lives of people for good and may silence persons who misrepresent genuine disciples of Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 2:13-16) In fact, such misrepresenters of Christians may come to appreciate the wrongness of their course and, in time, themselves become glorifiers of Jehovah God.

17, 18. (a) As is evident from Micah’s prophecy and James 1:22-25, what does Jehovah require of all who would be pleasing in his sight? (b) How do Enoch’s and Noah’s walking with God illustrate the same point?

¹⁷ The inspired words of Micah’s prophecy leave no question about the fact that action is required on the part of all who would be pleasing to Jehovah God. The same point is made by the disciple James: “Become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, and off he goes and immediately forgets what sort of man he is. But he who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and who persists in it, this man, because he has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, will be happy in his doing it.”​—Jas. 1:22-25.

¹⁸ It simply is not enough to pray, to read the Bible, to attend Christian meetings and there to listen respectfully to what is said. Our lives must demonstrate that we are exercising justice, love kindness and are modest in walking with Jehovah. Both Enoch’s and Noah’s blameless walking with the Most High included zealous activity. Enoch fearlessly prophesied, telling the ungodly of his day that Jehovah would execute judgment by means of myriads of angels. (Jude 14, 15) Not only did Noah share in building the ark for the preservation of his household and basic animal kinds, but he was also “a preacher of righteousness,” sounding the warning of a coming destruction to his contemporaries.​—2 Pet. 2:5.

19. What questions might we ask ourselves to determine whether we are living in harmony with Micah 6:8?

¹⁹ Surely, disciples of Jesus Christ do not want to deceive themselves into thinking that one’s having a pleasing personality and engaging in public worship are sufficient for one to be approved by Jehovah God. An active compassionate concern for fellow humans must be in evidence. Is that true of you? Are you willing and eager to respond to the physical and spiritual needs of others, doing so without partiality? Do you zealously carry out the command to preach and to make disciples? (Matt. 28:19, 20) Is your conduct as a servant of God worthy of imitation? If so, you are living in harmony with the inspired words recorded at Micah 6:8.

2. What is the subject under discussion in First Corinthians chapter 13?

² Clearly, Christian love is active, manifesting itself in the positive good it does for others. Being a feeling or an emotion, this love is not easily defined. The way in which it expresses itself, however, can be described. And, in First Corinthians chapter 13, we find a truly masterful description of the love that Christians should have. The emphasis in this chapter is not on the expression of God’s love for mankind nor on our love for Jehovah God. But the main import of the material is on how love should be shown toward fellow humans.

3. What were some of the problems that existed in the Corinthian congregation?

³ This is what Christians at Corinth needed, for they were not enjoying the best of relationships with one another. As is evident from an examination of the entire letter of First Corinthians, the congregation there had problems with jealousies, strife, divisions, boasting, immorality, dishonesty and the taking of undue liberties. Some in the Corinthian congregation were desirous of having prestige. They wanted to outshine one another as to abilities and gifts or endowments.​—1 Cor. 1:10, 11; 3:2, 3; 4:6, 7; 5:1, 2; 6:7, 8; 8:1, 2, 7-13; 11:18, 19; 12:14-18.

“A SURPASSING WAY”

4. Did all Christians in the first century C.E. have the same gifts?

⁴ Of course, it was not wrong for a person to view the greater gifts of the spirit as desirable and for a man to want to serve the congregation as an apostle, a prophet or a teacher. But the apostle Paul pointed out: “Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform powerful works, do they? Not all have gifts of healings, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all are translators, are they?” (1 Cor. 12:29, 30) However, there was something that all in the congregation could do. In fact, it was something even more outstanding than the pursuit of the “greater gifts.” This is evident from the apostle’s encouragement: “Keep zealously seeking the greater gifts. And yet I show you a surpassing way.”​—1 Cor. 12:31.

5, 6. (a) What did the apostle Paul mean by the expression “a surpassing way”? (b) How did he show that the possession of abilities and gifts was not the thing of greatest importance to true Christians?

⁵ What is this surpassing way? It is the way of love. Yes, there was a need for Christians at Corinth to make changes in their evaluation of “gifts” and to put love into action. Pointing out how love is of greater value than abilities and gifts or endowments, Paul wrote: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a sounding piece of brass or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophesying and am acquainted with all the sacred secrets and all knowledge, and if I have all the faith so as to transplant mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my belongings to feed others, and if I hand over my body, that I may boast, but do not have love, I am not profited at all.”​—1 Cor. 13:1-3.

⁶ A Christian’s being able to speak languages other than his native tongue would certainly be a valuable gift. Even greater would be the ability to speak in the language of angels who are a creation higher than man. But if the individual were to use the gift to enhance his prominence or would in some other way be wrongly motivated, he would not be upbuilding to his fellowmen, including his Christian brothers. He would be just like a big noise made by a brass instrument or a cymbal. Moreover, without love, the gifts of prophesying, miraculous knowledge and miraculous faith would not serve for the encouragement of others. These gifts or endowments would not then be used aright. Similarly, the person who gave generously of his possessions to others, simply so that he could brag, would not be benefited. He would receive no reward. What if he chose to undergo suffering or even death, perhaps with the intent of becoming a hero in the eyes of men? Again, if he had no real love for God nor for fellow humans, his willingness to make the supreme sacrifice would not profit him in any lasting way. Apart from the plaudits of mortal men, he would receive absolutely nothing. (Compare Matthew 6:1-4.) Since love is so important, we do well to consider how we are individually measuring up in our display of this fine quality. Are we really pursuing the “surpassing way”?

HOW LOVE SHOULD BE MANIFEST IN ACTION

7. How do we show love when undergoing trialsome experiences?

⁷ First Corinthians 13:4 states: “Love is long-suffering and kind.” What does this require of us? When provoked, oppressed, irritated or misrepresented, how should we react? The long-suffering person avoids hasty action or emotional outbursts. He will patiently bear up under trying circumstances, doing so in the hope that those responsible for the unpleasantness will be helped thereby to change their ways. For the same reason, we should be kind, not rough, harsh or hateful, but tender, mild, friendly and helpful. (Compare Romans 12:20, 21; 1 Peter 2:18-23.) Because of genuine concern for fellow believers, we should gladly put up with their idiosyncrasies and any weaknesses of conscience that they might have. We should not insist on our rights but refrain from using our Christian freedom to the full. Thus we will not stumble others, giving them an excuse to forsake true worship.​—Rom. 14:1-4, 19-21.

8. Why are bragging, boasting and jealousy unloving?

⁸ We are told further: “Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up.” (1 Cor. 13:4) If we really love our Christian brothers, how could we possibly be jealous or envious of their accomplishments, blessings or abilities? Rather, we would rejoice with them and be happy for the part that they are able to play in building up the congregation. (Rom. 12:15, 16) Similarly, how could we constantly put ourselves forward and highlight our own accomplishments and experiences? This could be discouraging to those listening to us. They might begin to feel that they have done very little in comparison. Our bragging and boasting would only tear others down and distract from the glory that should be given to Jehovah God. How unloving that would be! It would be far better to minimize our own role. We are merely slaves of God, and to him should go all the credit and praise for growth in the Christian congregation. (1 Cor. 3:5-9) Humility will prevent us from having an inflated opinion of ourselves and will restrain us from trying to impress others with supposed importance.

9. Because love “does not behave indecently,” what does this require of us?

⁹ Furthermore, love “does not behave indecently.” (1 Cor. 13:5) When we have genuine love, we hate all forms of badness. But more is involved. The expression ‘not behaving indecently’ can also mean ‘not being rude.’ (See The New English Bible.) In all relations, love produces right conduct. The loving person does not look down on the poor and needy, shunning their company. He does not restrict his association to just a certain select few. (Compare James 2:1-9.) Decent behavior also involves showing regard for proper authority. If we have true love, we will respect the person and possessions of others. That would certainly include our meeting places. How inappropriate it is for children to write on chairs or to run about, perhaps even knocking people over! Such indecent behavior has no place in the Christian congregation. It reflects unfavorably on the parents’ manner of presiding over their children.

10. How can we show that we are not looking for our own interests?

¹⁰ Continuing his description of love, the apostle Paul writes: “[Love] does not look for its own interests.” (1 Cor. 13:5) Yes, it takes an active interest in all members of the congregation​—young and old, the sick and infirm, those working hard in teaching, preaching and disciple-making. Love is alert to the needs of fellow believers and is quick to respond, to be accommodating. It does not insist on its own way. (1 Cor. 10:23, 24) This fine quality has nothing in common with the “me first” philosophy. It is wholly unselfish.

11. Since love “does not become provoked,” what should we avoid?

¹¹ Since love “does not become provoked,” it would certainly be wrong for us to find excuses to flare up in anger. (1 Cor. 13:5) We should be “slow about wrath,” avoiding fits of rage. (Jas. 1:19) In the family, this requires that all strive to be patient with one another’s shortcomings. And in the congregation, elders especially must set an example in patience when brothers and sisters seem to be forgetful and negligent or fail to take Christian responsibilities seriously.

12. What would prove that we are not keeping “account of the injury” done to us?

¹² Moreover, in harmony with the Bible’s description of love, we should “not keep account of the injury” done to us. (1 Cor. 13:5) It would be unloving to harbor grudges and to review just how certain ones have wronged us, as if we were keeping a scorecard. The past should be pushed aside, and kindness should not be withheld from those who may have done us injury.​—Prov. 20:22; 24:29; 25:21, 22.

13. What are some unrighteous things in which love does not rejoice?

¹³ What else will love not do? “It does not rejoice over unrighteousness.” (1 Cor. 13:6) Therefore, love would not rejoice when others get ensnared by wrongdoing, disgrace themselves and come to ruin. True Christians do not rejoice, saying that the individual deserved to have trouble come upon him. (Prov. 17:5; 24:17, 18) Additionally, we should not rejoice when a person cleverly maneuvers himself out of a situation that is deserving of punishment. (Ps. 50:18) Even our seeing unrighteous things depicted in movies or television programs should bring no pleasure to us. Then, too, it would be improper to side with unruly members of the congregation, finding fault with the reproof that is given to them. This would not help the wrongdoer to take positive steps to recover fully from the spiritual weakness that led to his misconduct.

14. In what does love rejoice?

¹⁴ In what should we rejoice? Love “rejoices with the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:6) Because truth is contrasted with unrighteousness in this passage, this evidently means that we should rejoice to see the powerful influence for righteousness that the truth has on people’s lives. We should find pleasure in all things that lead to blessings, that have a wholesome, upbuilding effect on others and that serve to advance the cause of truth and righteousness.

“LOVE NEVER FAILS”

15. What assurance does the Bible give us that true love will never be wanting?

¹⁵ Besides being a surpassing way, the way of love will never end or be lacking. This is nicely drawn to our attention by the following words: “It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”​—1 Cor. 13:7, 8.

16. How does love ‘bear all things’?

¹⁶ In the sense of ‘bearing all things,’ true love is not quickly thrust aside, dampened or abandoned. It is not overly sensitive nor does it quickly conclude that there is no hope of seeing any improvement in others. If we are loving, we will continue to do good toward our fellowmen despite their lack of gratitude.​—Matt. 5:44-48.

17. In what sense does love ‘believe all things’?

¹⁷ How are we to understand the words, ‘love believes all things’? This certainly does not mean that we will be gullible, failing, for example, to discern what is truly bad. Rather, it means that love is not suspicious. Hence, even though our spiritual brothers might do and say things that hurt us, we will not immediately conclude that they wanted to injure us. When observing the conduct of others, we will not at once think the worst but strive to view it in the best light possible. We will give our Christian brothers the benefit of the doubt, not imputing evil designs or motives to them.​—Eccl. 7:21, 22.

18. When it comes to hope and endurance, what will love enable us to do?

¹⁸ Similarly, love hopes that things will turn out well. This is not to say that love is naïve. But, rather, it looks for, yes, prays for the best outcome. Love is optimistic. Therefore, when calling on people in unresponsive territory, for example, we can do so with the hope that, in time, some will turn to the truth. (Compare Romans 9:1-3.) Also, a believing mate rightly hopes that the unbeliever will eventually accept the “good news.” (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) While love helps us to hope for the best, it also enables us to endure all kinds of persecutions, trials, abuse and misrepresentation.

19. Why will we never regret doing the loving thing?

¹⁹ In any given situation, our being loving will always help. We will never regret that we did the loving thing. Never has love, true self-sacrificing love, made a bad circumstance worse. Do we not have good reason, then, to imitate our heavenly Father whose dominant quality is love?​—1 John 4:7, 8.

20. (a) As shown at 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, how long will the way of love be “a surpassing way”? (b) Even though the miraculous gifts of the spirit have ceased, how can Christ’s true disciples still be recognized?

²⁰ Not just in this system of things but for all eternity love will continue to be the surpassing way. It will never “fail” or come to an end. The apostle Paul pointed this out when he said: “Whether there are gifts of prophesying, they will be done away with; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will be done away with. . . . Now, however, there remain faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:8-13) The history of the Christian congregation confirms that the miraculous gifts did pass away, evidently by the second century C.E. Nevertheless, true disciples of Jesus Christ can, to this very day, be identified by the love that they have among themselves.

21. In view of the importance of love, what questions might we ask ourselves?

²¹ What about us individually? Are we widening out in our love for our Christian brothers? Are we making improvement in displaying love in the manner described by the apostle Paul? Surely, this is what we want to do. Since love is a fruit of God’s spirit, do we pray for more of that spirit so that we might let love have a fuller expression in our lives? (Gal. 5:22) May love continue to be in action in our lives so that we may keep on living, yes, keep on loving for all eternity as loyal servants of the God of love, Jehovah.​—1 John 4:20–5:3.