CONCERNING THE WORLDLY FALLACY THAT
While it is absolutely essential
that we have love, we must also learn how to show it beneficially. (1 Cor 13:1 Love is a quality we should have for our Heavenly Father Jehovah, so that we willingly follow the righteous rule of conduct revealed through The Christ His Son, and that we may know how to show love to others. True love is not a quality that looks for its own interests, so it cannot be shown in deeds that are calculated to benefit oneself. True love is an outward expression of ourselves, requiring accurate knowledge of the Will of God and of another's physical or spiritual needs before one can show love through deeds that are meaningful and beneficial. In relation to the love that Christ had for the apostle Paul, Paul explained why his own knowledge of love was partial: "For at present we see in hazy outline by means of a metal mirror, but then it will be face to face. At present I know partially, but then I shall know accurately even as I am accurately known. Now, however, there remain faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love". (1 Cor 13:12,13). Through the love and mercy of The Christ, Paul was progressively lifted from his Godless state of ignorance to that of accurate knowledge as to how perfect love is shown. (Acts 9:3-6 & 20). The Holy Scriptures clarify to whom one should show love, and how*:
Love follows the principle:
"Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person".
(1 Cor 10:24). In merely loving oneself, one is selfishly seeking one's own
advantage. Nowhere in the Scriptures does it say or imply you must love solely
yourself. Addressing his spiritual brothers concerning agapé love, Paul said:
"You must love your neighbour as yourself", meaning, as you
desire to be loved. (Gal 5:14). This is part of your wholesouled love for the
rule of conduct of The Christ, sharing your spiritual knowledge with your
"neighbour" in obedience to God AGAPÉ: [Gr. Brotherly love]. Love guided by principle.
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