Love Identifies True Christians—Reject Selfishness and Provocation
WHY IMPORTANT: Jesus taught that love would identify his disciples. (Joh 13:34, 35) To display Christlike love, we must look out for the interests of others and avoid becoming provoked.—1Co 13:5.
HOW TO DO IT:
• When someone says or does something hurtful, pause and analyze the cause of the problem and the consequences of your intended action.—Pr 19:11
• Remember that we are all imperfect, and at times we say or do things that we later regret
• Resolve differences promptly
WATCH THE VIDEO “HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES”—REJECT SELFISHNESS AND PROVOCATION, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
• How did Larry overreact to Tom’s suggestion?
Excuse me! Larry, Frank, did you see Kevin tonight?
Yes, it was near the literary counter.
Ah OK.
I’ll call him if you want.
A would be great! Thanks a lot.
Larry, maybe you’ve already heard that Faye Carter and David Thomas just got engaged, right?
They asked the Kingdom Hall for their wedding, maybe I Kevin you, we can talk about a few minutes tonight after the meeting, so the two guys can proceed with the preparations.
Tonight? But why do you always have to do that Tom.
As well as?
Organize all these meetings at the last minute. Look, maybe you do not want to go home and be with your family, but we do.

• How did pausing to reflect help Tom to avoid provocation?
 (I do not want to be with my family? And this, what would you say!) This time just exaggerated.Now I put it in place.No, wait, what I’m saying! If I answer him now, I would risk damaging our relationship and that of our families, and then if we do not show love among us elders, think what would happen to the congregation, what a disgrace it would be for Jehovah and Jesus. What the Bible says Do not leave your own place, love is not irritated). Ah, you’re right Larry. Oh, I’m sorry. I thought it would only take a few minutes, but we can plan to do it at another time, so tonight we all go home early.
• How did Tom’s mild reply diffuse the tense situation?
No! Tom, I have to apologize instead, I exaggerated. Look, you’re right! Since we are all here, it seems to me an excellent idea to take care of it immediately, if possible!
Ok, ok.
Here comes Kevin. Let’s see if he is available too.
Agree.
Hey! Kevin?
Hi Tom.
Hello! How are you?
Well!

How do we benefit the congregation when we remain calm under provocation?
BIBLE EXAMPLE FOR MEDITATION: David did not retaliate when Shimei shouted curses at him.—2Sa 16:5-13.
ASK YOURSELF, ‘In what situations might I demonstrate greater self-restraint?’