Wednesday, February 17

Love never fails.1 Cor. 13:8.

Genuine love is not easily provoked and “does not keep account of the injury.”  Were we to hold a grudge, we would not be pleasing God and would, in effect, be tending a smoldering fire that could flare up, harming us and others.  Love makes us rejoice with the truth, but it will not allow us to “rejoice over unrighteousness,” even if a person who hates us is mistreated or suffers some injustice.  If someone offends us but asks for forgiveness, love moves us to forgive him. Love “believes all things” in God’s Word and makes us grateful for the spiritual food we receive. Love “hopes all things” recorded in the Bible. We also pray and hope for the best outcome in trying circumstances. Love “endures all things,” whether these are sins committed against us, persecution, or other trials. Moreover, “love never fails.” It will be displayed by obedient humans throughout all eternity.

COMMENTARY

Does God hold a grudge? Does he become provoked? Does he forgive, even if offenders refuse to even acknowledge their error? The answer to the first two questions is yes, God does become resentful even indignant and provoked to the point of anger. The answer to the third question is no. God does not forgive those who are unrepentant.

Jeremiah_lamentingThis is especially the case with an organization. For example in the 5th chapter of Jeremiah the prophet spoke to the older men of Judah, assuming they would surely acknowledge Jehovah. They did not. Consequently God said of them: “They have denied Jehovah, and they keep saying, ‘He will do nothing. No calamity will come upon us; we will not see sword or famine.’ The prophets are full of wind, and the word is not in them. Let this happen to them!”

Just like the distinguished men of Judah, so too the Governing Body say, in effect, Jehovah will never hold an accounting with us. We will never suffer his adverse judgment. And like the older men of Judah who prospered because of Jehovah’s blessing but refused to plead the cause of the disadvantaged, so too the leadership of the Watchtower: “‘They have grown fat and smooth; they overflow with evil. They do not plead the legal case of the fatherless, that they may gain success; and they deny justice to the poor. Should I not call them to account for these things?’ declares Jehovah. ‘Should I not avenge myself on such a nation? Something appalling and horrible has occurred in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, and the priests dominate by their own authority. And my own people love it that way. But what will you do when the end comes?’”

Related Posts