surface, absorbing all the light rays without reflecting anything in return. No. It means being like a precious stone reflecting the light to such a degree that it appears to be radiating light from within itself.

²⁴ Thinking of the practical aspect of our responsibility brings us back to John’s first letter. Some might say that, of all the Bible writers, James stressed most the practical side; and that, in contrast, John was the apostle of love. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Every time John enunciates a truth he immediately follows it up by showing both its practical application and the dire results of a failure to act consistently therewith. Observe, for example, John’s remarks following his statement “God is light”, showing we must not only believe and love the truth, but must keep on “practicing the truth”. (1 John 1:5, 6, NW) Nobody could be either more hard-hitting or helpful than John in showing how we can identify those of the “antichrist”, “who are trying to mislead you.” (1 John 2:18-26, NW) And in his third letter he does not hesitate to mention by name a certain mischievous chatterbox, Diotrephes, followed by some terse counsel. It would not be of much use trying to hide anything from John’s penetrating gaze.—3 John 9-11, NW.

25. Why is a consistent course of action so essential?

²⁵ Much more could be said, of course, about our responsibility as “sons of light” both regarding mind and heart and course of conduct, and also our ministry. But, above all, we must act consistently in “practicing the truth” so as to be ever in union with the God of light, with whom there is never a “variation or shadow caused by a turning”.—Jas. 1:17, NW, margin. See also Luke 11:33-36; Ephesians 5:6-14.

26. Is a close relationship seen between enlightenment and love?

²⁶ In poetic mood, we think of the smile of our heavenly Father’s approval as likened to the warm sunshine. (Num. 6:25, Mo; AS; Knox) And that is true. Light and love go hand in hand, leading us on to bright victory and making us fearless in God’s service. If we have been helped to a closer union with God and his Son by our meditation on the theme “God is light”, there is every reason to believe we shall find still further profit in considering that other definition of what God is, namely, “God is love.”—1 John 4:16, NW.

In Union with Love

1. (a) To gain enlightenment of Bible truth, what must be avoided? (b) What question will aid us in understanding “God is love”?

OUR understanding of Jehovah is entirely dependent on the revelation he is pleased to give of himself. By far the greatest enlightenment is given in his Word, as the psalmist wrote: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105, AS) Accordingly, in our study of that inspired statement, “God is love,” we will not determine its meaning by our own conjectures and feelings. Still less will we pay heed to what worldly wisdom has said on the subject of love. Least of all will we be guided by the teachings of a false religion which preaches a God of love and, in the same breath, a God of eternal torment. Instead, the question we ask