. has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? 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. 17 Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. Absaloms revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life.2Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17. (1John 4:8) Really, angels and humans may reflect Gods attributes, but only Jehovah is loyal to the superlative degree. David wrote: Jehovah is giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down.Psalm 145:14. After all, a person might be faithful merely out of a sense of duty. (Mark 10:29,30). 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. (b)What acts of loving-kindness do you know of among Christians in your area? She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. 7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). For example, those showing human kindness often do so without having a deep and personal involvement, or relationship, with the individuals they treat kindly. . Consider the example of David. 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. Until you grow old I will be the same, he stated through his prophet Isaiah. Those who showed loyal love did so, not because they had to, but because their hearts impelled them. (Job 1:1; Revelation 4:8) And what of Jesus Christ? (Prov. 8 To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters1 and2. 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. Just as Ruth stuck with Naomi, kindhearted brothers and sisters today willingly stick with those in the congregation who are despondent or depressed. Let us consider a few. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. 18. . But what happens when a wrongdoer proves to be incorrigibly wicked? For example, think of those who provide enduring emotional support to infirm, depressed, or grief-stricken fellow believers. 13 David mentioned that every living thing gets satisfied. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in Gods eyes. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. | When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. It is believed to come from the verb meaning "to be" or "to exist" and is likely the oldest Divine Name in human history. 19. What characteristic of loving-kindness is further highlighted by the three Bible accounts we have considered? (Psalm 136:23,26). (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. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) Boaz said to Ruth: May Jehovah reward you for what you have done, and may there be a perfect wage for you from Jehovah the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge. Those heartwarming words touched Ruth deeply. What grand future awaits all of Gods loyal ones? 14 It is heartwarming to see how Gods servants today continue to express loving-kindness by actions. Draw Close to Jehovah, Share 12 Out of his great loving-kindness, Jehovah provides for all the needs of his servants. . Ruth, however, went beyond that. God's loyal love is enduring. What happened in 1914, and what proof is there that God now reigns through the Kingdom of his Son? What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? 7:9. Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. Abbe Joseph Lemann, a Jew, 1886 The League of Nations is a Jewish idea. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) (Mark 10:29,30). 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. One indication is found in the book of Revelation in the commands that Jehovah issues to seven angels: Go and pour out the seven bowls of the anger of God on the earth. When the third angel pours his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, they become blood. 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. 7 Genesis 24:28-67 relates the rest of the story of Abrahams servant, mentioned in the preceding article. 15-16. (b)According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God? (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomis reaction to Boaz generosity? (b)In what way will Jehovah demonstrate his loyalty to those of his servants who have been persecuted to the point of death? 11 Many trials and calamities befall Jehovah Gods loyal ones because of their own imperfection and because they live in a world that is lying in the power of Satan, the wicked one. (1John 5:19; Psalm 34:19) Christians experience persecution. (b)What does Jehovahs loyalty move you to do? Moreover, these accounts illustrate how we may exercise loving-kindness today. (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. They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. What are some of them? The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options To deepen our understanding of loyal love, let us see how it compares with loyalty, as that term is commonly used. He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. And how Jehovahs servants rejoice in the hope of soon seeing the earth transformed into a physical paradise!Luke 23:42,43. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. (Psalm 16:10) How, then, can it be said that Jehovah alone is loyal? Since God is lovehe being the very personification of this qualitywho could display loyalty more completely than Jehovah? 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelingsa deep and enduring attachmentfor our spiritual brothers and sisters.Read Mark 10:29,30. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. 5 By comparison, consider the hospitality that King David showed to Mephibosheth, the son of his friend Jonathan. | 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. 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. As described at Isaiah 32:1, 2, what will caring elders provide? To whom should we extend it? (Matthew 5:44,45) Because of Gods love for the world of mankind, even his enemies can repent, turn to him, and attain to life. What a marvelous blessing the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has been! 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. . 18 Do not take it personally. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? (Revelation 7:9, 10,14) Although his servants are imperfect, Jehovah loyally extends to them the opportunity to live forever on a paradise earth. (Psalm 110:3; 1Thessalonians 5:12) Such elders, or overseers, feel a responsibility to live up to the trust conferred upon them by reason of their appointment. a Then, too, the word faithful can be applied to inanimate things. His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. ; 21:21. 14 Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. Would you like to read this article in %%? Moreover, their striking record of integrity during that war continues to help people to identify the true religion.Isaiah 2:2-4. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. How well does Jehovah provide for the needs of every living thing? Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant. 12 The first instance of Ruths loving-kindness referred to the time when she left her people and stuck with Naomi. 20 Actually, there are afflicted ones crying for help in every Christian congregation. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. Your kind attention to one of Jehovahs precious sheep does not go unnoticed by our God. 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. In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. 10. 3, 4. (a)With what attitude do Christian elders shepherd the flock? 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!Read Hebrews 13:16. After meeting Rebekah, he was invited into the home of her father, Bethuel. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? What help did God provide? 7:9. 11. But how can we show loving-kindness? 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. PRIVACY POLICY 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! 9. You Alone Are Loyal, Publication download options 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. When we observe how those in need regain their spiritual strength, we feel deep joy. Since the needy have no authority over the powerful, the loving-kindness shown in such a case is displayed willingly, not under compulsion. (Psalm 136:23,26). 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. . With someone loyal you act in loyalty, David said of Jehovah. 7:9. a Jehovah wants us to show loyal love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. 4. 9 Jehovah is loyal in all that he does. (Psalm 145:17) In what way? (Proverbs 19:17) We should imitate the patriarch Job, who gave attention to the afflicted one crying for help, and the fatherless boy and anyone that had no helper as well as to the one about to perish. Job also made glad the heart of the widow and became eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.Job 29:12-15. GOD is love. (1John 4:8) That heartwarming phrase proves that Jehovahs way of ruling is based on love. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. Such love is denoted by a Hebrew word translated loving-kindness, or loyal love. King David of ancient Israel deeply appreciated Gods loving-kindness. He did not turn against his distraught servant. (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? you must exercise loving-kindness and trustworthiness toward me. How do we know that Jehovah takes note when his loyal ones speak well of him? . Examining Jehovah Gods example will help us to display those qualities. By means of the ransomthe greatest demonstration of Jehovahs loyalty. ( Psalm 34:6) Jehovah's loyal love for his servants does not waver as long as they remain loyal to him. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. As discussed in Chapter26, Jehovah does not bring up errors of the past for which a person has been pardoned. As never before, worshipers of Jehovah will need to call upon him earnestly, even crying for help. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. Ruth, who was standing next to her 14 it is heartwarming to See how Gods servants today to... 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