²¹ Love and tolerance will help us to avoid being oversensitive. Due to pressing problems, a brother may pass by without speaking or may speak sharply on occasion. Or a habit or trait of another may tend to annoy. Whatever the situation, the Bible counsels: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”​—Col. 3:13, 14.

22. (a) What could getting upset over a brother’s imperfections cause one to do? (b) To be forgiven our trespasses by God, what is first necessary?

²² Hence, do not let personality differences cause you to become shipwrecked in faith. Steer your course in such a way as to avoid colliding with your brother. If the Devil can get you so upset over the imperfections of your brother that you skip meetings or hold back from preaching the good news of the Kingdom, he is very pleased. Do you want to please the Adversary because of some irritation or spirit of pride? Does your relationship with Jehovah mean so little that you would quit serving him or slow down because one of the brothers commits a wrong? Remember, if Jehovah required perfection of your brother at this time, he would require it of you too. If you want God to forgive you your shortcomings, you must be willing to forgive those of your brother. Jesus predicated forgiveness of our sins upon our being willing to forgive others.​—Matt. 6:12, 14, 15.

25. What counsel is given as to settling personal differences?

²⁵ Settle differences quickly. Often minor things can be overlooked without making an issue of them. If the problem persists, go to the offending brother and discuss the matter privately in a loving and kind way. And if a brother comes to you to discuss a cause for complaint, exercise self-control and listen first to what is said so that you understand the situation and do not quickly seek to defend yourself or resort to recrimination.​—Eph. 4:26, 32.