From these we will note that loving-kindness extended by humans is (1)expressed by specific actions, (2)extended willingly, and (3)shown especially to those having a need. Since Jehovah is perfectly consistent, the loyalty he shows toward his faithful servants never wanes. 24. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? Later, however, she began to despise him in her heart, even considering David to be just as an empty-headed man.1Samuel 18:20; 2Samuel 6:16,20. 14. Gods loyal servants share the sentiments of David, who sang: About the glory of your [Jehovahs] kingship they will talk, and about your mightiness they will speak.Psalm 145:11. The second part, after page 343, is the same complete Ten Volume set, including all the advertising as . 4 As we learned in the preceding article, Jehovah reserves his loyal lovehis enduring feelings of loving attachmentfor those who love him and serve him. Shattered glass and toppling masonry. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. And everything he does will succeed. (Psalm 1:3) Imagine a luxuriant tree whose foliage never withers! He did not turn against his distraught servant. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. Neither Abraham, Jacob, nor Naomi could fill those needs without help. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. (b)What does Jehovahs loyalty move you to do? . (Genesis 15:18; 35:10,12; 49:29-32) Jacob did not want to be buried in Egypt, however, so he made provisions for his remains to be taken to the land of Canaan. 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 . This was done to make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory. (Romans 9:22,23) These vessels of mercy are rightly disposed ones who are anointed by holy spirit to be joint heirs with Christ in his Kingdom. 21. Who? How is spiritual food being provided today? What benefits come to those who show loyal love? How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty regarding his standards? Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. 22 To continue benefiting from our close relationship with Jehovah God, it is also vital that we keep on resisting such spiritually detrimental things as materialism, unwholesome entertainment, an unforgiving spirit, or indifference toward needy ones. 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. 18 Do not take it personally. 11. . In a prophecy relating to true worship in our day, Malachi wrote: At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. TERMS OF USE 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. 7:9. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. Moses therefore told the Israelites: It was not because you were the most numerous of all the peoples that Jehovah showed affection for you and chose you, for you were the smallest of all the peoples. 5 In its Scriptural sense, loyalty is warm. 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. But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. (Ruth 1:16) Naomi also saw Jehovahs hand when Boaz, one of their repurchasers, lovingly made generous provisions for the two women. | 8. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. As discussed in Chapter26, Jehovah does not bring up errors of the past for which a person has been pardoned. Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. 20 How thrilling it will be to experience Jehovahs nearness and his saving power when he annihilates all the wicked! (Psalm 104:14) However, Jehovah sees to it that all their needs are satisfied. Unlike human governments, which will soon pass away, his kingship is eternal. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. Moreover, these accounts illustrate how we may exercise loving-kindness today. To whom should we extend it? This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible and is found nearly 7000 times within its pages. King David supplies the answer. 3:3,4; 11:17, ftn. 16 The loving-kindness shown by Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth is especially significant because Abraham, Jacob, and Naomi were in no position to bring outside pressure on them. This fine book will surely play an important role in helping Gods loyal ones to draw even closer to him. His Word says that the righteous one will be like a tree planted by streams of water, a tree that produces fruit in its season, the foliage of which does not wither. What will help us not to give up easily? Through them, Jehovah has indeed provided spiritual food in abundance. 10. Lover, for her love he prowled with colonel Richard Burke, tanist of his sept, under the walls of Clerkenwell and, crouching, saw a flame of vengeance hurl them upward in the fog. 17:17. 12 As noted earlier, the Bible tells us that Jehovahs loyal love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1) How is this so? 5 Jehovah wants us to show loyal love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. ( 1 John 4:10, 19) We love them even more when we realize that Jesus died for us personally. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.ZECH. 16,17. Soon the end will come for all opposers of Jehovahs Kingdom.Revelation 11:15,18. One of the groups Hitler sent to the concentration camps were Jehovah's Witnesses, where they unjustly endured unspeakable atrocities and lose of life. 4 Loyalty as used in the Hebrew Scriptures is kindness that lovingly attaches itself to an object and does not let go until its purpose in connection with that object is realized. 16 Consider a striking example of spiritual food received in the right season. 12. (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? (Matthew 5:3) How wonderfully Jehovah satisfies the spiritual needs of his loyal ones! 18 Another example of timely, satisfying spiritual food is the book Draw Close to Jehovah, which was released at hundreds of Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers District Conventions held around the world in 2002/03. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. 17 What do we learn from this? A sister in need of assistance may at first refuse our help. What fact about loving-kindness is underscored by the Bible accounts discussed in this article? They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? 10 How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomis reaction to Boaz generosity? Truly, in the righteous new world that Jehovah will bring, obedient mankind will experience his loyal love forever.Revelation 21:3,4. And how Jehovahs servants rejoice in the hope of soon seeing the earth transformed into a physical paradise!Luke 23:42,43. He longs to see these departed faithful ones again, and the Bible confirms that his purpose is to reward them with a resurrection. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. 4:8) Jehovah also reveals his qualities, the kind of God he is. Yet, they express enduring loving-kindness, or loyal love, to those with whom they share a God-approved relationship.Matthew 5:45; Galatians 6:10. How do two Bible examples cited here illustrate the difference between human kindness and loving-kindness? (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? The individual actions of many Witnesses was commendable and Watchtower holds up this part of their history in great esteem. By means of the ransomthe greatest demonstration of Jehovahs loyalty. At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. (Gal. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. As foretold in Ezekiel chapter38, Satan will soon complete his role as Gog of the land of Magog. This will involve a worldwide attack on Jehovahs people. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.Read Isaiah 32:1,2. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . Ruth would now be able to provide an heir for Naomi, who was beyond the age of childbearing. She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. What recent example is there of spiritual food that is both timely and richly satisfying? She said: May he be blessed by Jehovah, who has not failed in his loyal love toward the living and the dead. (Ruth 2:20a) What a turning point this was for Naomi! (b)How does loyalty differ from faithfulness? will not return to me without results, but it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, and it will have sure success in what I send it to do. (Isaiah 55:11) By remaining faithful to his word, Jehovah shows loyalty to his people. (Job 1:1; Revelation 4:8) And what of Jesus Christ? Because by destroying the wicked, Jehovah is displaying loyalty to his servants, many of whom have been persecuted to the point of death. (b)How did Joseph show loving-kindness to his father? Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. As never before, worshipers of Jehovah will need to call upon him earnestly, even crying for help. (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? That Jehovahs loyalty is neither blind nor gullible. . has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). Indeed, they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God, and they despised his words and mocked his prophets. With what result? 6:2) We hope that she will eventually accept our hand of friendship and allow us to help lift her out of despair. Jehovah had used Ruth to give needed support on the journey to Judah. True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. 3. (See paragraphs20-21). What do we learn from Ruths example? Jehovahs reputation is so impeccable in this regard that his servant Joshua was able to say: Not a promise failed out of all the good promises that Jehovah had made to the house of Israel; all of them came true. (Joshua 21:45) We can be confident, then, that we will never be led to disappointment because of some failure on Jehovahs part to live up to his promises.Isaiah 49:23; Romans 5:5. a Then, too, the word faithful can be applied to inanimate things. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem in Judah, Ruth displayed loving-kindness and determination, saying: Where you go I shall go, and where you spend the night I shall spend the night. . See more of Weekly Watchtower Study Articles. 7:9. But we try not to take it personally. How did Ruth differ from Orpah, and why was Ruths decision an act of loyal love? 18 Do not take it personally. ; 24:10) This is in line with the apostle Pauls admonition: Speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all.1Thess. Despite all of this, Naomi said: Jehovah made me return empty-handed. With those words, Naomi did not even acknowledge the support of Ruth, who was standing next to her. . From 1939 to 1946, they were blessed with an amazing increase of 157percent. 13 David mentioned that every living thing gets satisfied. 41:1) Proverbs 19:17 states: The one showing favor to the lowly is lending to Jehovah, and He will repay him for what he does., Ruth clings to Naomi, her mother-in-law, while Orpah returns to Moab. 3. (1John 2:1,2; 3:6) It is the course of wisdom to bear in mind that Jehovah will continue to show loving-kindness, or loyal love, toward us only if we remain faithful to him.2Samuel 22:26. (a)What shocking lack of appreciation did the Israelites display, yet how did Jehovah show compassion toward them? WE HAVE good reasons to show loyal love to one another. (Revelation 4:11) Still, because he is loyal, Jehovah treasures our faithful acts.Malachi 3:16,17. 12:25, ftn. 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. (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. For one thing, Jehovahs forgiveness of sins is permanent. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? 5 By comparison, consider the hospitality that King David showed to Mephibosheth, the son of his friend Jonathan. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for giving me such loving brothers and sisters. Are you sharing in such acts in your congregation? 3, 4. What help did God provide? YLT Numbers 14:1 And all the company lifteth up and give forth their voice, and the people weep during that night; 9 Jehovah is loyal in all that he does. (Psalm 145:17) In what way? (Prov. 41:1) Proverbs 19:17 states: The one showing favor to the lowly is lending to Jehovah, and He will repay him for what he does., Ruth clings to Naomi, her mother-in-law, while Orpah returns to Moab. Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant. NIV Numbers 14:1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. Thus, we can say that Jehovah's loyal love directly benefits his servants and that is why we are sure that he will never abandon us. It will be an all-out attempt on the part of Satan to break the integrity of Gods loyal ones. In fact, the best way to learn just what loyalty entails is to examine how Jehovah displays this grand facet of his love. Have not both humans and angels at times displayed remarkable loyalty? Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. JEHOVAH GODS Word exhorts us to love loving-kindness. (Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 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