7 The Bible says of Jehovah: You alone are loyal. (Revelation 15:4) How can that be? 10 Of course, some human rulers are sincerely concerned about the welfare of their subjects. Today, as in the past, many of our brothers and sisters have chosen to show loyal love for fellow believers, even to those whom they do not know personally. (b)What questions will we consider? . As Genesis chapter47 relates, Jacob was then living in Egypt, and the days approached for [him] to die. (Ge 47 Verses27-29) He was concerned because he was going to die outside the land that God had promised to Abraham. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. How did Naomis attitude change, and why? That includes the animals. (1John 3:17,18) If you are, be assured that your loving-kindness is deeply appreciated. 8 Proof that Jehovah now reigns through the Kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ, is seen in the ongoing fulfillment of the sign of Jesus presence. 9,10. 9. * (Ruth 2:19, 20b) Now I understand, she must have thought, Jehovah never left me. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. (a)How do Gods present-day servants show loving-kindness by actions? (Psalm 71:5; 116:12) Because we fear God and practice righteousness, for instance, we enjoy his approval and are spiritually close to him. How does Jehovah show appreciation for the loyalty of his servants? 4 Jehovahs loyal ones can be identified as those who use their mouths to speak well of him. 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. PRIVACY POLICY But what happens when a wrongdoer proves to be incorrigibly wicked? JEHOVAH GOD'S Word exhorts us to love "loving-kindness." ( Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 19 The Bible accounts we have discussed also underscore the fact that loving-kindness is to be shown to those who have a need that they themselves cannot fill. (a)What examples are there of spiritual food that came in the right season? 15-16. Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options Next mwb22 January p. 6 EPUB As a result, we will have loyal friendsa precious reward indeed!Proverbs 18:24. (2Cor. 20 How thrilling it will be to experience Jehovahs nearness and his saving power when he annihilates all the wicked! What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? 3 Regarding Jehovah God, the prophet Samuels mother, Hannah, said: The feet of his loyal ones he guards. (1Samuel 2:9) Who are such loyal ones? When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. 14. (b)What does Jehovahs loyalty move you to do? 10. 34:6; Ps. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name. (Malachi 3:16) It pleases Jehovah very much when his loyal ones speak well of him, and he remembers them. Whatever trial befalls them, however, Jehovah is always ready to give comfort and spiritual strength to each one of them. 33:22. Unlike some erratic humans, who are guided by mere whim and sentiment, Jehovah does not vacillate in his view of what is right and what is wrong. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Not only did Bethuel say, Here is Rebekah but he actually sent off Rebekah. (Genesis 24:51,59) Not only did Joseph say, I myself shall do in keeping with your word but he and his brothers did for Jacob exactly as he had commanded them. (Genesis 47:30; 50:12,13) Not only did Ruth say, Where you go I shall go but she left her people and accompanied Naomi, so that they both continued on their way until they came to Bethlehem. (Ruth 1:16,19) In Judah, Ruth again acted according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. (Ruth 3:6) Yes, Ruths loving-kindness, like that of others, was expressed by actions. (2Samuel 22:26) What is loyalty, and how does Jehovah provide the loftiest example of this quality? What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on? . 6:2) We hope that she will eventually accept our hand of friendship and allow us to help lift her out of despair. (b)How does loyalty differ from faithfulness? The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2012, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2005, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Study)2021, Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another. Since God is lovehe being the very personification of this qualitywho could display loyalty more completely than Jehovah? 21 Now more than ever before is the time for those who fear Jehovah to call upon him in trueness. His loyal ones delight to use his name in their prayers and in the comments they make at their meetings. What a marvelous blessing the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has been! Truly, in the righteous new world that Jehovah will bring, obedient mankind will experience his loyal love forever.Revelation 21:3,4. ( 1 John 4:10, 19) We love them even more when we realize that Jesus died for us personally. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. At times, the mistakes of Jehovahs loyal ones may cause them to bow down in discouragement. 17 Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. 16 Be persistent. How does loving-kindness differ from human kindness? Those who showed loyal love did so, not because they had to, but because their hearts impelled them. 12 The first instance of Ruths loving-kindness referred to the time when she left her people and stuck with Naomi. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. Pr 21:21. . To whom should we show loyal love? To have his remains taken to Canaan, Jacob needed Josephs help. 12:25, ftn. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. Jehovah will loyally remember and resurrect those who have proved loyal even to death, Bernard Luimes (left) and Wolfgang Kusserow (center) were executed by the Nazis, Moses Nyamussua (right) was speared to death by a political group. Jehovah is guarding all those loving him, but all the wicked ones he will annihilate.Psalm 145:18-20. 23 For more information on the role of Boaz as repurchaser, see the article Imitate Their FaithAn Excellent Woman, in The Watchtower of October1, 2012, p.20. For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. 7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. And they courageously declare Jehovahs name in their public ministry.Romans 10:10, 13-15. How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty regarding his standards? 1. Significantly, each verse of this psalm is punctuated with the phrase: His loyal love endures forever. This psalm is included in the Questions for Meditation on page289. 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!Read Hebrews 13:16. (b)How did one elder express his feelings about helping fellow believers? The Jew, who sinned against the light of his revelation, will have a severer retribution than the Gentile who only sinned against the light of his own conscience; and the nations of Christendom who have rejected the gospel will incur a darker doom than the native . b To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters1 and2. c Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. 11 Jehovah also shows loyalty by remaining faithful to his word of promise. 18. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. 10. 14 It is heartwarming to see how Gods servants today continue to express loving-kindness by actions. (b)How does Psalm 145 express the feelings of Gods loyal ones regarding the primary issue raised by Satan? The supreme name of God is YHWH (also known as Yahweh or Jehovah). In the opening verse, we read: "Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever." ( Ps. (Genesis 20:13; 2Samuel 3:8; 16:17) Or they may be founded on relationships resulting from prior acts of kindness. 6 When we consider how much Jehovah and Jesus love us, we are moved to love them in return. Gods Word clearly shows that any last-minute use of his name by the wicked has always proved to be in vain.Proverbs 1:28,29; Micah 3:4; Luke 13:24,25. 15. (Prov. 21. . 33:22. Since the needy have no authority over the powerful, the loving-kindness shown in such a case is displayed willingly, not under compulsion. What help did God provide? Joseph and Jacobs other sons carried his body into the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, the field that Abraham had purchased. (Genesis 50:5-8, 12-14) Thus Joseph exercised loving-kindness toward his father. He could easily have told Abrahams servant: No, I want to keep my industrious girl close by. (Genesis 24:18-20) Likewise, Joseph was free to decide whether to act on his fathers request or not, for Jacob would be dead and could not compel him to keep his word. This book, produced by the faithful and discreet slave and published by Jehovahs Witnesses, focuses on Jehovah Gods marvelous qualities, including those mentioned in Psalm 145. (Psalm 89:37) But the moon cannot be described as being loyal. (See cover picture.). 34:6; Ps. Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. And who was the instigator of the conspiracy? Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. GOD is love. (1John 4:8) That heartwarming phrase proves that Jehovahs way of ruling is based on love. 9 If we are dedicated Christians, our relationship with the Sovereign Lord Jehovah brings us many benefits. Jehovah helped them to understand that the primary issue, involving the whole universe, relates to Jehovahs rightful sovereignty. 13. (Job 1:1; Revelation 4:8) And what of Jesus Christ? What are some of them? Loyal love moves us not to give up easily on brothers and sisters who are in distress. The psalmist wrote: I was once young and now I am old, but I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for bread. (Prov. 9. (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? 19. 19 Note that in the midst of delivering that message of judgment, the angel refers to Jehovah as the loyal One. Why? We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. 5 You will surely agree that the better we understand the meaning of loyal love, the better we will be able to show it to our fellow worshippers. (Ge 24 Verses28-32) There the servant recounted in detail his search for a wife for Abrahams son. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. Naomi herself indicated that Ruth was free to stay in Moab. 9 In the book of Ruth, we read the story of Naomi, her daughter-in-law Ruth, and a God-fearing man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomis husband. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. Yes, there is. (Ruth 1:16) Naomi also saw Jehovahs hand when Boaz, one of their repurchasers, lovingly made generous provisions for the two women. The individual actions of many Witnesses was commendable and Watchtower holds up this part of their history in great esteem. 14. 20 Throughout history, Jehovah has shown remarkable loyalty toward faithful humans. 7. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. 20 Actually, there are afflicted ones crying for help in every Christian congregation. What must have been painful for Ruth? 2 Moreover, the Scriptures tell us: He that is pursuing righteousness and loving-kindness will find life. (Proverbs 21:21) Yes, our pursuing loving-kindness will endear us to God and will put us in line for future blessings, including life everlasting. Some suffer from chronic illness or because of bereavement. By doing so, we have the wonderful prospect of being included among those who will exalt, bless, and praise Jehovah all day long and even forever. (Psalm 145:1,2) May we therefore keep ourselves in Gods love with everlasting life in view. (Jude20,21) As we continue to benefit from our heavenly Fathers marvelous qualities, including the great loving-kindness he displays toward those who love him, may our sentiments always be like those expressed by David in the final words of Psalm 145: The praise of Jehovah my mouth will speak; and let all flesh bless his holy name to time indefinite, even forever.. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. Jehovah is the supreme example of loyal love. has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? What will help us not to give up easily? The moon is called a faithful witness, but only intelligent living creatures can truly reflect Jehovahs loyalty. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. 16,17. 2 These proverbs mention three reasons why we should show loyal love. The woman he had chosen for his idol the shrine at which his pure devotions of heart and soul were offeredwas a gay and beautiful Creole from New Orleans, who, with her mother, and a young gentleman who appeared in the capacity of friend . | 8. But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. God's loyal love prompts you to forgive. Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in Gods eyes. How painful that must have been for Ruth! Carry on with one another loving-kindness.ZECHARIAH 7:9. (a)How does Psalm 145 help us to identify Jehovahs loyal ones? Why, it is Jehovahs Kingdom! The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings of Charles Taze Russellfounder of the Bible Student movementand successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and Nathan Homer Knorr. 3 In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. As the Ancient of Days, he has been displaying loyalty longer than any creature, earthly or heavenly. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. 17 Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. 7-8. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? How can we show loyal love today? 13 Did you notice how Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth expressed their loving-kindness? This brought upon them the wrath of governments on both sides of that six-year conflict. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102002053/univ/art/1102002053_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/cl/E/wpub/cl_E_lg.jpg, Share Your kind attention to one of Jehovahs precious sheep does not go unnoticed by our God. . Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. When Naomi learned that Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food, she decided to return to her home. There a number of Jehovahs saving acts are cited, including the dramatic deliverance of the Israelites through the Red Sea. ; 21:21. What did Abrahams servant tell Bethuel and Laban, and what issue did the servant raise? Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . 7,8. Who need our expressions of loving-kindness? What benefits come to those who show loyal love? Absaloms revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life.2Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17. But Ruth did not give up. Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . Since Jehovah is perfectly consistent, the loyalty he shows toward his faithful servants never wanes. (Proverbs 18:24; Malachi 2:14-16) Treacherous acts are so common that we might find ourselves echoing the words of the prophet Micah: The loyal one has perished from the earth. (Micah 7:2) Although humans often fail to show loyalty, that precious quality outstandingly characterizes Jehovah. 5:14. 17. 7 Genesis 24:28-67 relates the rest of the story of Abrahams servant, mentioned in the preceding article. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? What happened? Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? 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