Tuesday, November 3 You became so beloved to us.​—1 Thess. 2:8.

[Áine]

Tuesday, November 3

You became so beloved to us.—1 Thess. 2:8.

 

Brothers, to qualify as an elder, you must “be irreprehensible,” that is, have a good reputation in the congregation because your conduct is above reproach. (1 Tim. 3:2) In addition, you should have a fine testimony from outsiders. Unbelievers may criticize your Christian beliefs, but they should have no valid reason to question your honesty or conduct. (Dan. 6:4, 5) Ask yourself, ‘Do I have a good reputation both inside and outside the congregation?’ If you are “a lover of goodness,” you look for the good in others and commend them for their fine qualities. (Titus 1:8) You are also happy to do good for others, even going beyond what is required. Why is this quality so important for elders? Because they use much of their valuable time to shepherd the congregation and care for assignments. (1 Pet. 5:1-3) Even so, the joy that comes from serving others far outweighs any sacrifice.—Acts 20:35. w24.11 20-21 ¶3-5

[Seasider]

Love , the quintessential quality of our Christian brotherhood. Paul was a good example of that. He said his brothers were beloved by him. Despite his having done much more in Gods service than they would have, he did not act superior. So we need to cultivate that quality ourselves. It is easy to love those we happen to like and our friends but we must broaden out to love all, even the awkward ones . Jesus loves them.