11 Jehovah also shows loyalty by remaining faithful to his word of promise. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. Until you grow old I will be the same, he stated through his prophet Isaiah. As never before, worshipers of Jehovah will need to call upon him earnestly, even crying for help. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. But we try not to take it personally. 1Samuel 24:1-22 In his treatment of King Saul, how did David display the kind of loyalty that Jehovah values? (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomis reaction to Boaz generosity? That scheming opportunist kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel, setting himself up as a rival king. 21 Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. 17 Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Who? 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. Therefore, it was human kindness. 7:9. This may be the result of such factors as loneliness, discouragement, feelings of unworthiness, disappointment in others, serious illness, or the death of a loved one. 21 Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. Would divine loving-kindness be complemented with human loving-kindness? Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. Absaloms revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life.2Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2012, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2005, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Study)2021, Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another. How does loyal love compare with loyalty? Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. NIV Numbers 14:1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 8 Jehovah had already shown loving-kindness to Abraham. The individual actions of many Witnesses was commendable and Watchtower holds up this part of their history in great esteem. (Psalm 89:37) But the moon cannot be described as being loyal. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) What makes the loving-kindness of Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth especially meaningful, and what moved them to display this quality? He may not always agree with the policies of that company. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. In what ways does Jehovahs loyal love endure forever? Questions and Answers on Facebook So, too, if we take genuine delight in Gods Word, our lives will be long, peaceful, and fruitful. (Genesis 24:12, 14,27) Would Bethuel be willing to do the same by allowing Rebekah to go with Abrahams servant? 11. 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. In this article, we will discuss how Jehovah shows loyal love to humans. 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. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. Indeed, they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God, and they despised his words and mocked his prophets. With what result? Let us consider a few. How is Jehovah loyal in all that he does? Let us consider a few. After all, Bethuel was under no legal obligation to part with his daughter. . What characteristics of loving-kindness expressed between humans stand out in Gods Word? How did Naomis attitude change, and why? (Genesis 50:4,5) Ruth was persistent about going with [Naomi]. (Ruth 1:18) When Naomi suggested that Ruth approach Boaz, loving-kindness moved the Moabitess to declare: All that you say to me I shall do.Ruth 3:1-5. 9,10. Psalm 136:1-26 What does this psalm teach us about Jehovahs loyal love? 4. In social settings and at Christian meetings, what is a common theme of their discussions? As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. (Mark 10:29,30). | (b)How did one elder express his feelings about helping fellow believers? It pricks our conscience and we are embarrassed by the expensive [automobiles] we drive.. How do we know that Jehovah takes note when his loyal ones speak well of him? How can we show loyal love today? 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. (a) What characteristics of God's loving-kindness stand out in his Word? Its very manifestation indicates that a relationship exists between the person who displays the quality and the one toward whom it is shown. 8. 7:9. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. A sister in need of assistance may at first refuse our help.c Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. Draw Close to Jehovah, Appreciate Jehovahs Qualities to the Full. When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. They express loving-kindness toward Christs sheep because they ought to and want to do this. You Alone Are Loyal, Publication download options 16 Of course, as a nation the Israelites failed to demonstrate appreciation for Jehovahs loyal love, for after their deliverance they continued to sin against [Jehovah] by rebelling against the Most High. (Psalm 78:17) Over the centuries, they rebelled again and again, leaving Jehovah and turning to false gods and pagan practices that brought nothing but defilement. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation?b. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. (Psalm 71:5; 116:12) Because we fear God and practice righteousness, for instance, we enjoy his approval and are spiritually close to him. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? What benefits come to those who show loyal love? In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. 2. 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. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. Such love is denoted by a Hebrew word translated "loving-kindness," or "loyal love." King David of ancient Israel deeply appreciated God's loving-kindness. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. None other than Jehovah God. | Who need our expressions of loving-kindness? While there, Naomis husband died. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on? Some suffer from chronic illness or because of bereavement. 7:9. They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. Gods loyal ones take delight in discussing his mighty acts, Jehovahs servants courageously help strangers to learn about the glory of his kingship, Jehovah provides food for every living thing, Animals: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabrceno, Jehovah gives strength and guidance to his loyal ones, who seek his help in prayer, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1980, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Study)2021, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1990, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2004. They use the divine name in private conversations. 6. She told them: I was full when I went, but Jehovah made me return empty-handed. (Ruth 1:21) Imagine how Ruth must have felt on hearing those words from Naomi! * (Ruth 2:19, 20b) Now I understand, she must have thought, Jehovah never left me. JEHOVAH IS "ABUNDANT IN LOYAL LOVE" 3. 14 Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. As a result, we will have loyal friendsa precious reward indeed!Proverbs 18:24. A sister in need of assistance may at first refuse our help. (2Cor. To whom should we show loyal love? 11. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. For Jehovah loves justice, and he will not abandon his loyal ones. (Psalm 37:25,28) True, as the Creator, Jehovah deserves our worship. What did Abrahams servant tell Bethuel and Laban, and what issue did the servant raise? It will be an all-out attempt on the part of Satan to break the integrity of Gods loyal ones. 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. Rather, it was because of Jehovahs love for you and because he kept the oath that he had sworn to your forefathers that Jehovah brought you out with a mighty hand, to redeem you from the house of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.Deuteronomy 7:7,8. (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? (Jeremiah 31:3) Do you not feel closer to Jehovah for the deep loyalty he has shown and will yet show? Jehovah shows love to all human beings, but he only shows "loyal love" to those who have a special relationship with him. 5:14. 8 To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters1 and2. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. The psalmist tells us: He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; he rescues them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 97:10) Consider his dealings with the nation of Israel. Absalom, Davids own son! She told them: I was full when I went, but Jehovah made me return empty-handed. (Ruth 1:21) Imagine how Ruth must have felt on hearing those words from Naomi! 20,21. Who are in need of our expressions of loving-kindness, and what should each of us be determined to do? In what ways was loving-kindness exercised by Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth? great in loving-kindness [or, loyal love].Psalm 145:8. (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? 7:9. (Revelation 7:9, 10,14) Although his servants are imperfect, Jehovah loyally extends to them the opportunity to live forever on a paradise earth. Draw Close to Jehovah, Share 14 Unlike animals, humans have a spiritual need. 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. 18. God is love.. 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. (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. 20. Who are the vessels of mercy, and how does Jehovah show loyalty to them? PRIVACY POLICY Jehovah demonstrates loyal love to his faithful servants. 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. In this article, we will consider what we can learn from the examples of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. 9. Loyal love moves us not to give up easily on brothers and sisters who are in distress. Showing loving-kindness, or loyal love, forges warm and lasting bonds with others. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. . Since Jehovah is perfectly consistent, the loyalty he shows toward his faithful servants never wanes. 12. 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. What do we learn from Ruths example? What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? At times, the mistakes of Jehovahs loyal ones may cause them to bow down in discouragement. * Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. 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. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? Consider Michal, Davids first wife. 15. What activity helps us to identify Gods loyal ones? When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. Ruth, however, went beyond that. While the nations were in the thick of battle during World WarII, Jehovahs people were helped to focus on something far more important than their own salvation. True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. For one thing, a man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul. (Proverbs 11:17) How true! 6:2) We hope that she will eventually accept our hand of friendship and allow us to help lift her out of despair. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. (a)What shocking lack of appreciation did the Israelites display, yet how did Jehovah show compassion toward them? Just as Boaz reassured Ruth that her kindness had not gone unnoticed, observant elders today gratefully acknowledge the help that loving brothers and sisters provide. (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? Showing loving-kindness, or loyal love, forges warm and lasting bonds with others. 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. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. 16,17. (a)How does Jehovah show loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation? Explain how Jehovahs dealings with Israel highlight his loyalty. 3:3,4; 11:17, ftn. (1Samuel 18:3; 20:15,42) Similarly today, Gods servants show human kindness to mankind in general. 34:6; Ps. 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. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. 21. Before his death, Jesus promised that the faithful and discreet slave would provide Jesus followers with spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45) The remnant of the 144,000 anointed ones make up that slave class today. 21. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Audio download options . ( Psalm 31:16) Jehovah, the powerful one, is asked to show loving-kindness, or loyal love, to the needy one, David. | 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? 20. How can we imitate the examples of Boaz and Ruth in showing loyal love to others? How painful that must have been for Ruth! 17 Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth showed loving-kindness willingly; they were moved to do so from within. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. And how Jehovahs servants rejoice in the hope of soon seeing the earth transformed into a physical paradise!Luke 23:42,43. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, The WatchtowerStudy Edition| November2021. (John 3:16) Soon, however, Jehovah will sweep away the incorrigibly wicked so that humans who love him can enjoy everlasting life in a righteous new world.Psalm 37:9-11,29; 2Peter 3:13. As Moses was told, Jehovah will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.Exodus 34:6,7. . Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . The supreme name of God is YHWH (also known as Yahweh or Jehovah). What trials befall Gods loyal ones, and what help do they have? This fine book will surely play an important role in helping Gods loyal ones to draw even closer to him. 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. 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