appreciation for the ransom? Shortly before his arrest, Jesus stated: “If anyone loves me, he will observe my word.” (John 14:23) Jesus’ “word” includes his command that we have a zealous share in fulfilling the commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them.” (Matthew 28:19) Obedience to Jesus also requires that we show love for our spiritual brothers.​—John 13:34, 35.

21. Why should we be in attendance at the Memorial celebration on April 1?

²¹ One of the finest ways we can show appreciation for the ransom is by attending the Memorial of Christ’s death, which this year will be held on April 1.a This too is part of Jesus’ “word,” for when instituting this celebration, Jesus commanded his followers: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) By our attendance at this most important event and by our keen attention to all that Christ commanded, we will demonstrate our firm conviction that the ransom of Jesus is God’s way of salvation. Truly, “there is no salvation in anyone else.”​—Acts 4:12.

The Way of Love Never Fails

“Keep zealously seeking the greater gifts. And yet I show you a surpassing way.”​—1 CORINTHIANS 12:31.

1-3. (a) How is learning to express love much like learning a new language? (b) What factors can make learning to express love a challenge?

HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? It is challenging, to say the least! Of course, a young child can learn a language just by being exposed to it. His brain fairly soaks up the sounds and meanings of words, so that before long the tot is expressing himself quite adeptly, perhaps incessantly. Not so with adults. We search a foreign-language dictionary repeatedly, just to master a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue. In time and with enough exposure, though, we start to think in the new language and speaking it becomes easier.

² Learning to express love is much like learning a new language. True, a measure of this divine quality is inherent in humans. (Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8.) Still, learning to express love takes extraordinary effort​—especially today, when natural affection is in such short supply. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This is sometimes the case right in the family. Yes, many grow up in a harsh environment where loving words are hardly ever expressed​—if at all. (Ephesians 4:29-31; 6:4) How, then, can we learn to express love​—even if we have rarely experienced it?