• The Way of Love Never Fails
    The Watchtower—1999 | February 15

    • 4. The Bible provides what insight into jealousy?

      4 After his initial comments about love, Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Love is not jealous.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) Jealousy can manifest itself in envious discontent at the good fortune or attainments of others. Such jealousy is destructive​—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.​—Proverbs 14:30; Romans 13:13; James 3:14-16.

      5. How can love help us to conquer jealousy when we are seemingly passed over for some theocratic privilege?

      5 In view of this, ask yourself, ‘Do I become envious when I am seemingly passed over for some theocratic privilege?’ If the answer is yes, do not despair. The Bible writer James reminds us that “a tendency to envy” is present in all imperfect humans. (James 4:5) Love for your brother can help you to restore your balance. It can enable you to rejoice with those who rejoice and not to view it as a personal affront when someone else receives a blessing or a compliment.​—Compare 1 Samuel 18:7-9.

      6. What severe situation developed in the first-century Corinthian congregation?

      6 Paul adds that love “does not brag, does not get puffed up.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) If we have some talent or ability, there is no need to flaunt it. Evidently, this was a problem with some ambitious men who had slipped into the ancient Corinthian congregation. It may be that they had superior abilities in expounding ideas or a more efficient way of doing things. Their calling attention to themselves may have contributed to splitting the congregation into factions. (1 Corinthians 3:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 12:20) The situation became so severe that Paul later had to chastise the Corinthians for ‘putting up with unreasonable persons,’ whom Paul critically described as “superfine apostles.”​—2 Corinthians 11:5, 19, 20.

      7, 8. Show from the Bible how we can use any inherent talents we possess to promote unity.

      7 A similar situation can develop today. For example, some might have a tendency to boast about their accomplishments in the ministry or their privileges in God’s organization. Even if we do have a particular skill or ability that others in the congregation lack, would that give us license to become puffed up? After all, we should use any inherent talents we possess to promote unity​—not ourselves.​—Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:6.

      8 Paul wrote that although a congregation has many members, “God compounded the body.” (1 Corinthians 12:19-26) The Greek word translated “compounded” signifies harmonious blending, as in the mixing of colors. So no individual in a congregation should feel puffed up about his abilities and try to dominate over others. Pride and ambition have no place in God’s organization.​—Proverbs 16:19; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Peter 5:2, 3.

  • The Way of Love Never Fails
    The Watchtower—1999 | February 15

    • 11. (a) In what ways can we show love that is both kind and decent? (b) How can we show that we do not rejoice over unrighteousness?

      11 Paul also wrote that love is “kind” and that it “does not behave indecently.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) Yes, love will not allow us to act in a rude, vulgar, or disrespectful manner. Instead, we will take others’ feelings into consideration. For example, a loving person will avoid doing things that would disturb the consciences of others. (Compare 1 Corinthians 8:13.) Love “does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6) If we love Jehovah’s law, we will not wink at immorality or be entertained by things that God hates. (Psalm 119:97) Love will help us find joy in things that build up rather than tear down.​—Romans 15:2; 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24; 14:26.