Christian must always remember that Jesus said: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) So right up until the very end, to the finish of the battle of Armageddon, Jehovah’s witnesses will continue to be on the watch, staying awake, keeping their ministerial outer garments. They will stay at their assignment declaring the good news of God’s kingdom.

“Let All Your Affairs Take Place with Love”

1. In view of the delinquent condition of the world, how will the Christian conduct himself?

THESE are strenuous times, treacherous. Some people think they live in the peaceful part of the world, but the majority know that they live in a world where a war of destruction could break out at any moment. However, all of us live in a world of idolaters, fornicators, murderers, thieves, greedy persons, a truly delinquent world for young and old. So no matter where anyone lives he is going to be surrounded by difficulties. How will he conduct himself under these influences? For the Christian there is only one way. Paul stated it plainly when he said: “Let all your affairs take place with love.” (1 Cor. 16:14) Regardless of the other individual’s way of life, the Christian should deal with the other person unselfishly and kindly.

2, 3. (a) How is love manifest in one’s life? (b) While loving, why is the Christian no weakling, and how is this demonstrated in the life and ministry of Jehovah’s witnesses? (c) In spite of Paul’s counsel on the need for wakefulness, what has happened to Christendom, and why?

² When Paul defined love in 1 Corinthians the thirteenth chapter he had to compose quite a lengthy expression in order to make it comprehensive, to bring in everything involved in connection with love. He was definite that love is “long-suffering and obliging. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up.” (1 Cor. 13:4) An individual having true love will not lose his self-control. He will keep on an even keel. That does not mean a Christian could not be firm, strong in his decisions. No, for Paul said: “Stay awake, stand firm in the faith, carry on as men, grow mighty. Let all your affairs take place with love.”—1 Cor. 16:13, 14.

³ Here is strong admonition for all those who are going to carry on their affairs in love that they stay awake and stand firm in the faith. There is no indefiniteness about that. The Christian must be a determined, positive, firm man, yet loving. He must feel the responsibility that goes with the duties of a minister of God. He is no weakling. He carries on like a man, like Christ Jesus, who “went on progressing in