WHY IMPORTANT: In imitation of Jesus, we must bear witness to the truth regarding God’s purposes. (Joh 18:37) We must also rejoice with the truth, speak the truth, and consider whatever things are true, despite living in a world full of falsehood and unrighteousness.—1Co 13:6; Php 4:8.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Be determined not to listen to or spread harmful gossip.—1Th 4:11
• Do not rejoice over another’s calamity
• Take delight in positive, encouraging things

WATCH THE VIDEO “HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES”—REJOICE, NOT OVER UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT WITH THE TRUTH, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• In what sense did Debbie “rejoice over unrighteousness”?

Oh Alice.
Oh Debbie, bye.
I absolutely must tell you what I heard yesterday.
Meaning?
You know Bethany, who years ago came from time to time in the hall?
Are you attending meetings again? Has it started again?
I would not say that. Do you know what he did? He left the man he lived with, he went to live with another.
No a moment! But do you keep hearing with her?
Well, no! I did not talk to her directly. But you know how the voices turn. However, does it seem possible to you?

• How did Alice steer the conversation with Debbie in a positive direction?

Debbie, Bethany did a lot of things wrong since I stopped coming to meetings. And I sincerely hope that you make changes and come back soon. But until it happens, do you think it’s time to talk about the wrong things you’re doing now?
Well, probably not. I just thought that as we grew up together, I wanted to know how far it was from the truth.
But Debbie, we must never forget, that love does not rejoice in injustice but rejoices in the truth.
You know what you’re right. Why talk about this, let’s talk about encouraging things and better.
Yes, it’s true. Do you remember the lady we found together on duty? Well, I came back with Helen this morning and the lady was at home. He let us in, and even accepted a book.
Really?
Yes. Then we showed him a video and he said that maybe he will come to the meeting.
But it’s wonderful!

• What are some of the good things that we can talk about?

*** w03 9/15 pp. 11-13 pars. 10-14 Spiritual Conversations Build Up ***
10 That which is true involves more than information that is correct and not false. It refers to something that is upright and trustworthy, such as the truth of God’s Word. Hence, when we talk to others about Bible truths that impressed us, discourses or talks that uplifted us, or Scriptural counsel that helped us, we are considering things that are true. On the other hand, we reject “the falsely called ‘knowledge,’” which gives only an appearance of truthfulness. (1 Timothy 6:20) And we avoid passing on gossip or relating dubious experiences that cannot be verified.
11 Things of serious concern are subjects that are dignified and consequential, not trivial or petty. They include concerns about our Christian ministry, the critical times in which we live, and the need for us to maintain fine conduct. When we discuss such serious matters, we reinforce our determination to keep awake spiritually, maintain our integrity, and continue preaching the good news. Indeed, interesting experiences in our ministry and current events that remind us that we are living in the last days provide a variety of material for stimulating conversations.—Acts 14:27; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
12 The word righteous means being right in God’s eyes—meeting his standards. Chaste conveys the idea of purity in thought and conduct. Slander, obscene jokes, or sexual innuendos have no place in our conversations. (Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:8) In the workplace or at school, Christians wisely withdraw when conversations take on this tone.
13 When Paul recommends considering lovable things, he refers to matters that are pleasing and agreeable or that inspire love, as opposed to those that arouse hatred, bitterness, or contention. Things well spoken of refer to information that is reputable or of good report. Such good reports would include the life stories of faithful brothers and sisters, which appear regularly in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Why not share with others your impressions once you have read these faith-strengthening articles? And how encouraging it is to hear of the spiritual accomplishments of others! Such conversations will build love and unity in the congregation.
14 Paul speaks of “whatever virtue there is.” Virtue refers to goodness or moral excellence. We must be careful that our lips are guided by Scriptural principles and that they do not deviate from what is righteous, chaste, and virtuous. Praiseworthy means “commendable.” If you hear a good talk or notice a faithful example in the congregation, speak about it—both to the person involved and to others. The apostle Paul frequently praised the fine qualities of his fellow worshipers. (Romans 16:12; Philippians 2:19-22; Philemon 4-7) And, of course, the handiwork of our Creator is truly praiseworthy. There we find a wealth of subjects for upbuilding conversations.—Proverbs 6:6-8; 20:12; 26:2.

BIBLE EXAMPLE FOR MEDITATION: Lot was constantly tormented by the unrighteous conduct of people in Sodom and Gomorrah.—2Pe 2:8.

*** w90 4/15 p. 17 pars. 3-5 Prepare for Deliverance Into a New World ***
3 Lot had originally moved into the area near Sodom because of its potential for material prosperity. In time, he took up dwelling in the city itself. (Genesis 13:8-12; 14:12; 19:1) But he did not agree with the lewd practices of the men of the city, and those men did not view him as one of them, evidently because Lot and his family did not share in their social life. As 2 Peter 2:7, 8 says: “Lot . . . was greatly distressed by the indulgence of the law-defying people in loose conduct—for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds.” Those conditions constituted a severe trial for Lot because, as a righteous man, he abhorred such conduct.
4 In our day too, the moral level of human society has become degraded. In many lands, more and more engage in premarital or extramarital sex. Even many young people in school are deeply involved in this way of life, and they ridicule those who do not join them. Homosexuals outspokenly identify themselves and parade through the streets of large cities to demand recognition. The clergy have joined in the reveling. Officially, not many churches ordain known homosexuals and fornicators. Yet, in actuality, as news reports have repeatedly shown, it is not at all difficult to find homosexuals, fornicators, and adulterers in the ranks of the clergy. In fact, some religious leaders have been moved to other cities or have even been forced to resign over sex scandals. Lovers of righteousness are not in sympathy with such wickedness; they “abhor what is wicked.” (Romans 12:9) Especially are they grieved when the conduct of people who claim to serve God brings reproach on his name and causes uninformed people to turn away from all religion in disgust.—Romans 2:24.
5 Year after year the situation grows worse. Will there be an end to it? Yes, there will! What Jehovah did to ancient Sodom and Gomorrah shows clearly that, at his appointed time, he will execute judgment. He will utterly destroy the wicked, but he will deliver his loyal servants.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘In what ways can I show that I rejoice, not over unrighteousness, but with the truth?’

*** cl chap. 30 pp. 307-308 par. 20 “Go On Walking in Love” ***
20 “Love . . . does not rejoice over unrighteousness.” The New English Bible here reads: “Love . . . does not gloat over other men’s sins.” Moffatt’s translation says: “Love is never glad when others go wrong.” Love finds no pleasure in unrighteousness, so we do not wink at immorality of any kind. How do we react if a fellow believer is ensnared by sin and fares badly as a result? Love will not let us rejoice, as if to say ‘Good! He deserved it!’ (Proverbs 17:5) We do rejoice, however, when a brother who has erred takes positive steps to recover from his spiritual fall.

*** w93 10/15 p. 20 par. 13 Love (Agape)—What It Is Not and What It Is ***
13 Moreover, we are told that love “does not rejoice over unrighteousness.” The world rejoices over unrighteousness, as can be seen by the popularity of violent and pornographic literature, films, and TV programs. All such rejoicing is selfish, having no regard for God’s righteous principles or the welfare of others. All such selfish rejoicing is sowing to the flesh and in due time will reap corruption from the flesh.—Galatians 6:8.

*** w93 10/15 pp. 21-22 par. 17 Love (Agape)—What It Is Not and What It Is ***
17 Love does not rejoice over unrighteousness but “rejoices with the truth.” Love and truth go hand in hand—God is love, and at the same time, he is “the God of truth.” (Psalm 31:5) Love rejoices at seeing truth triumph over and expose falsehood; this accounts in part for the great increase taking place in the number of Jehovah’s worshipers today. However, since truth is contrasted with unrighteousness, the thought may also be that love rejoices with righteousness. Love rejoices at the triumph of righteousness, as Jehovah’s worshipers are commanded to do at the fall of Babylon the Great.—Revelation 18:20.

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?’