Jesus sacrificed his life for imperfect people. (Ro 5:8) No doubt we personally appreciate that Jesus showed his love for us by giving his life in our behalf. Nevertheless, at times we may need to remind ourselves that Christ died for our brother too. How can we show Christlike love to our brothers and sisters, who just like us are imperfect? Consider three ways. First, we can expand our circle of friends to include those whose background is different from ours. (Ro 15:7; 2Co 6:12, 13) Second, we can be careful to avoid saying or doing things that may offend others. (Ro 14:13-15) Finally, if someone sins against us, we can be quick to forgive. (Lu 17:3, 4; 23:34) If we work hard to imitate Jesus in these ways, Jehovah will continue to bless the congregation with peace and unity.

My name is Miki, and I moved here a year ago. They were all so cute, friendly, or so it seemed to me the beginning. And you took me for your baby-sitter, but you did not see that we were talking. Hey, we’re not at the playground here. And the elderly are always busy, I’m not sure that here, they really want me.

• What caused her feelings to change?

Then Yoko, a pioneer of my old congregation, came to see me. He asked me how it was going, and I told her, how I felt in the congregation. She told me that she had a similar experience, and she told me about an article in the watchtower, which had been very useful. So I decided to examine it, during my personal study.

What do you see when you look at others? Do you have the tendency to express categorical judgments about what they say or do, considering them either right or wrong, or white or black, as if there were no other colors and nuances? Who sees things in this way, is like a photographer who ignores, the wide variety of bright colors, and shadows, in an autumn landscape. As if they existed, only black and white images. Perhaps, I was seeing the congregation in black and white.

• How did Jesus’ example help Miki to adjust her viewpoint? (Mr 14:38)

 The article then made me reflect on the example of Jesus. Certainly the spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak. Why did Jesus manage to use such kind words with his disciples? Are we perspicacious? Can we put ourselves in the shoes of others? And what Jesus did, with his disciples. And that’s what I have to do.

• How can Proverbs 19:11 help us to view fellow Christians in a positive way?

At home, he must always stay behind the children, at least in the hall, he would need to enjoy a little, the company of the brothers. I do not think he wanted to be rude, maybe he just wanted to join us, and have a nice chat. The elders do a lot of work to take care of the congregation. I know they do their best, and I want to do everything possible to make their work lighter.

Miki, you’re really a nice person. We are happy to have you in our congregation. The perspicacity of a man certainly slows his anger, and it is beauty of his own, to pass over the transgression.