On the contrary, they are all living to him. (Luke 20:37,38) Jehovahs purpose to bring back to life those who are in his memory is powerful evidence of his loyalty. 3:3,4; 11:17, ftn. 8 Jehovah had already shown loving-kindness to Abraham. When someone in the congregation falls on hard times, they do not hesitate to reach out to that person and help in practical ways. What happened in 1914, and what proof is there that God now reigns through the Kingdom of his Son? The second part, after page 343, is the same complete Ten Volume set, including all the advertising as . Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. But Ruth did not give up. KING DAVID was no stranger to disloyalty. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) Jehovahs loyalty draws those who, in their hearts, hunger for righteousness. 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. 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. (Jeremiah 31:3) Do you not feel closer to Jehovah for the deep loyalty he has shown and will yet show? . (Acts 10:34,35; James 4:8) By contrast, human rulers are often seen in the company of prominent people, such as military leaders, wealthy businessmen, or sports and entertainment celebrities. has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? In such a case, Jehovah adheres to his own righteous standards and renders adverse judgment. (Prov. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. 2 Jehovah shows love for his true worshipers in a precious, lasting way. . To whom should we show loyal love? What activity helps us to identify Gods loyal ones? Shattered glass and toppling masonry. 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. What did Abrahams servant tell Bethuel and Laban, and what issue did the servant raise? To deepen our understanding of loyal love, let us see how it compares with loyalty, as that term is commonly used. 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. How did Naomis attitude change, and why? 14. The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.Psalm 72:12-14. 17:17. Let us consider a few. 3. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! 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. 33:22. 20. JEHOVAH GODS Word exhorts us to love loving-kindness. (Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 10 Of course, some human rulers are sincerely concerned about the welfare of their subjects. Your kind attention to one of Jehovahs precious sheep does not go unnoticed by our God. He displays this quality in a manner that no creature can match. All too often, close companions are ready to crush one another. Increasingly, we hear of spouses who abandon their mates. 7-8. 9:4) We want to be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Eph. 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. 9 While they refuse to . 1. 7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. What will help us not to give up easily? 11. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? Jehovah had used Ruth to give needed support on the journey to Judah. Spurned lover. . Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. With someone loyal you act in loyalty, David said of Jehovah. 5-6. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. . Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. . (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? (b)According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God? (See cover picture.). 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. For example, those showing human kindness often do so without having a deep and personal involvement, or relationship, with the individuals they treat kindly. Since Jehovah is perfectly consistent, the loyalty he shows toward his faithful servants never wanes. Ruths loyal love was a blessing to Naomi, Human loving-kindness is extended willingly, is shown by specific action, and is displayed to those in need, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2002, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2010. And who was the instigator of the conspiracy? 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. They use the divine name in private conversations. How do two Bible examples cited here illustrate the difference between human kindness and loving-kindness? If it were not for earths abundant vegetation of the land and plants of the sea, aquatic creatures, birds, and land animals would have no oxygen to breathe or food to eat. 4,5. 17:17. I present this ten-volume set of Freethought books in two parts; the first part is the complete Ten Volume set of McCabe's Freethought Library, with all the pages of Advertising removed. you must exercise loving-kindness and trustworthiness toward me. ( Psalm 34:6) Jehovah's loyal love for his servants does not waver as long as they remain loyal to him. 15-16. How did Ruth show her persistence? 12 The first instance of Ruths loving-kindness referred to the time when she left her people and stuck with Naomi. What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? Because of his personal experience and his meditation on Gods dealings with others, David could confidently sing: Jehovah is . Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. That Jehovahs loyalty is neither blind nor gullible. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. 10. Why do we need to draw closer to Jehovah? Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. GOD is love. (1John 4:8) That heartwarming phrase proves that Jehovahs way of ruling is based on love. (2Samuel 22:26) What is loyalty, and how does Jehovah provide the loftiest example of this quality? Ruth, however, went beyond that. TERMS OF USE In response, Ruth said to Boaz: You have comforted me and spoken reassuringly to your servant. (Ruth 2:12,13) The timely words of Boaz gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on. . (2Cor. His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathans father wanted to kill David. Initially, she was in love with David, no doubt supporting him in his kingly endeavors. Mr. Davis was born on March 13, 1939 in North Hornell to Lewis F. and Margaret Angielee (Dodge) Davis. 3 In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. 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. 3 Was there no one who remained loyal to David? But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelingsa deep and enduring attachmentfor our spiritual brothers and sisters.Read Mark 10:29,30. WHAT BENEFITS COME TO THOSE WHO SHOW LOYAL LOVE. What do we learn from Ruths example? .in love, and his love was as pervading and absorbing as the fragrance of a flower, or the light of a star. Moreover, these accounts illustrate how we may exercise loving-kindness today. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? More is involved than faithfulness. For example, think of those who provide enduring emotional support to infirm, depressed, or grief-stricken fellow believers. 15-16. 20. In what ways was loving-kindness exercised by Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth? March 13, 1939 - February 22, 2023. I'll show you my likeness one day. 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. 9 If we are dedicated Christians, our relationship with the Sovereign Lord Jehovah brings us many benefits. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. (a)How does Jehovah show loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation? First, showing loyal love makes us precious in Gods eyes. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? For one thing, Jehovahs forgiveness of sins is permanent. 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? What trials befall Gods loyal ones, and what help do they have? He was a 1958 graduate of Andover Central School. 17 Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. . 10 The account states: So [Jacob] called his son Joseph and said to him: If, now, I have found favor in your eyes, . 24. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. (2Cor. 10 How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? What characteristics of loving-kindness expressed between humans stand out in Gods Word? 6 To identify some additional characteristics of loving-kindness, we will briefly consider three Bible accounts that feature this quality. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. 11 Jehovah also shows loyalty by remaining faithful to his word of promise. 14 Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. 18. 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. (b)According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God? Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. How will the words of Psalm 145:18-20 prove true in the near future? His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). What are some of them? Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. Why, even humans who do not obey him benefit from the sun and rain that he lovingly provides! 22-23. What benefits come to those who show loyal love? 6 Jehovah's loyal servants can also be identified by their courage and initiative in speaking to people who are not worshipers of the true God. (b)How does Psalm 145 express the feelings of Gods loyal ones regarding the primary issue raised by Satan? When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. 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