Song 86
Cultivating the Fruit of Love
1. Jehovah lovingly does bestow
On all his ministers here below
The gifts they need that they may do
His sacred will and thus keep true.
His spirit they appreciate;
Its many fruits they cultivate;
But one they give their greatest care
—The fruit of love, beyond compare.
2. All qualities for the ministry
We strive to exercise patiently;
Yet special effort we direct
The most important to perfect.
It’s not enough to use the mind
In feeding sheeplike ones we find;
But we must give with all our heart
To share in blessings we’d impart.
3. And as we labor for rich increase,
Let’s earnestly guard the bond of peace.
Be patient though we suffer wrong;
Bear weak ones’ loads if we are strong.
And feel in even little things
The joy unselfish int’rest brings,
Thus perfecting the fruit of love
And being like our God above.