Study Article 16. This article will be studied during the week of June 23rd through 29th.

Drawing close to one another is good for us.

Theme text. Look, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.

Psalm 133.1.

Song 87. Come, be refreshed.

Focus. Suggestions on how to draw closer to one another and the many blessings that come

from our friendships with fellow worshippers.

Paragraphs 1 and 2. Question. What is one thing that is important to Jehovah? And what does he want us to

do? Few things are more important to Jehovah than the way we treat fellow humans. Jesus taught that we must love our neighbor as we love

ourselves. That includes being kind even toward those who do not share our beliefs. When we show this

kindness, we imitate Jehovah God, who makes his son rise on both the wicked and the good, and makes it reign on both

the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 545

Although Jehovah loves all mankind, he is especially fond of those who practice what is right.

He wants us to imitate him. He urges us to have intense love for

our brothers and sisters, and to show them tender affection. When we think of showing such love

and affection to someone, we might have in mind the warm feeling of attachment we have toward a

beloved relative or a dear friend.

Paragraph three. Question. What must we remember about love?

Love, like a house plant, needs to be nurtured in order to grow. The Apostle Paul

counseled Christians, Let Your Brotherly love continue, Hebrews 131.

Jehovah wants us to keep cultivating our love for others.

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