SA47 - How to Keep Our Love for One Another Strong

Imagine the child's favorite toy; in the past, it might have been a teddy bear, but today, it may be something more electronic, like a computer tablet. For a child, this is no ordinary device; it’s very special because it has the ability to make the child feel happy instead of bored, distracted when stressed, and safe. When the child watches the tablet, maybe something like Caleb and Sophia, or uses it to fall asleep peacefully as it plays a soothing song from jw.org, the child grows ever more attached.

The reason the child liked the tablet so much was not just because it had a sleek design or a titanium-colored exterior, but because it brought a special kind of companion that brought joy into their life. It became a trusted companion, always there to provide comfort and warmth. The child had a strong emotional connection to the tablet because it had been a source of happiness during both good as well as challenging times.

In a corner of the daycare room, colorful toys scattered across the floor, two children found themselves embroiled in a heated dispute over a cherished tablet. Olive, a curly-haired girl with hazel brown eyes, clutched the tablet tightly, engrossed in a show of animated characters. On the other side stood Jerry, a determined young, rugged boy with a determined look, his eyes fixed on the coveted electronic device.

The room buzzed with the sounds of children playing, but a tense atmosphere enveloped the small battleground. Jerry, fueled by the desire to have his turn with the tablet, approached Olive with an outstretched hand. "It's my turn now!" he demanded, attempting to wrest the tablet from her grasp. Olive, anticipating what was about to happen, was equally determined as she held on with all her might, her little face displaying a mix of frustration and defiance.

Their struggle echoed through the daycare, startling the attention of both curious children, and concerned caregivers. Amidst the commotion, the daycare worker, Ms. Jeannette, a loving and patient woman, observed the unfolding conflict from the beginning. She carefully approached the scene, ready to intervene, making sure that no one is injured, to bring a resolution to the escalating dispute.

"Alright, kiddos, what's going on here?" Ms. Jeannette asked, kneeling down to their eye level. Both children mumbled in an attempt to explain their sides of the story, each asserting their right to the tablet, but Ms. Jeannette had seen it all and knew what happened.

With her gentle yet firm demeanor, Ms. Jeannette mediated the situation. "Now, Jerry, it's important to wait your turn. Olive is using the tablet right now. You'll get your chance soon," she explained, hoping to diffuse the tension.

In a huff, Jerry stormed away with as a stubborn glint persisted in his eyes. "But it’s not fair!" he protested.

Ms. Jeannette, recognizing the need for a deeper lesson, turned her attention to Olive. "Olive, how about we practice sharing? It's a wonderful thing to do, especially with things we enjoy. Would you be willing to make a sacrifice so that Jerry can have a turn?"

Olive hesitated, still clinging to the tablet. Ms. Jeannette, with a reassuring smile, continued, "You know, Olive, sometimes it's hard to share, but it makes everyone happy. It's like when you forgive someone for accidentally breaking your favorite toy. Sharing can be like spreading kindness and happiness."

After a moment of contemplation, Olive slowly approached Jerry, giving him the tablet. Ms. Jeannette commended her for being a good friend, “Thank you, Olive, that was very nice.” Then turned to Jerry, “What do you say to Olive, Jerry?” Encouraging him to appreciate Olive's kind gesture.

Showing love to each other at times isn’t easy and might require us to make sacrifices, the letting go of our immediate happiness or our own understanding of what's right or wrong. Ms. Jeannette understood this concept well – a sacrifice means willingly giving up or forgoing something valuable to us, whether it's a possession, personal interest, time, or even one's own well-being, all for the sake of a greater purpose that will benefit others.

This article presented us with a wonderful reminder to express love towards each other. Something that our heavenly father, Jehovah, showers us with abundantly, his undeserved kindness, far more than we could ever fully repay. We demonstrate our gratitude for His love by sharing that undeserved kindness with others, and in doing so, we identify ourselves as true brothers and sisters.

Jesus conveyed to his apostles: "By this, all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) Additionally, nurturing love for one another helps to eliminate discord and keeps us united. Paul, who deeply understood Jehovah's undeserved kindness, acknowledged that such love forms "a perfect bond of union." (Colossians 3:14)