(Jas. 2:23) With good reason, then, we are warned that, “whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend [phílos] of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.” Our friends should be, first of all, those who are God’s friends and lovers.—Jas. 4:4.

21. Why does this understanding not restrict our expression or love to a few persons?

²¹ Does that restrict us, put a fence around our expression of love? No, because principled love [agápe] can and should go where affection [philía] may not venture or even feel attracted. The reward of life everlasting is not for those who merely express love and devotion to marriage mate, family or close circle of friends. Jesus said: “For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt. 5:46-48) Very definitely, then, we can love persons even though we do not like them. Our life depends upon our doing just that.

22. What questions are worthy of serious consideration by each of us?

²² Pause and ask yourself now: How does my love measure up? Is it based on principle or just sentiment? Do I have love only for those whom it is natural for me to love: marriage mate, parents, children, or friends whose personality appeals to me? Is even the love I have for them really with their eternal welfare at heart, or is it just an expression of affection because of the satisfaction my relationship with them brings me? How genuine is my love? The value and worth of your whole life can be measured by your answers.—1 Cor. 13:1-3.

Fulfilling the New Commandment of Love

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”—John 13:34.

 1. According to the apostle Paul’s argument, what kind of love did God express in providing the ransom?

THE basis for God’s greatest gift to mankind was principled love, not affection. This is what the apostle Paul argues at Romans 5:7-10, saying: “For hardly will anyone die for a righteous man; indeed, for the good man, perhaps, someone even dares to die. But God recommends his own love [agápe] to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. . . . For if, when we were enemies [not friends], we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, now that we have become reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” No, it was not fondness that Jehovah God expressed for imperfect, sinful mankind by the gift of his Son. What qualities did they have for which to feel fondness? But he did exercise love, a principled, unselfish interest in their welfare and their needs. He provided their paramount need, the means by which they could gain reconciliation with him, the Fountain of life, by his Son’s ransom sacrifice.