(a)Why should we display loving-kindness? 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. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in Gods eyes. 5:14. According to the African newspaper Sowetan, a prominent government official said the following about poverty-stricken areas in his land: I understand when most of us do not want to go to such areas. 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. (a)Jacob asked his son Joseph to do what for him? What help did God provide? 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. How does loyal love compare with loyalty? What benefits come to those who show loyal love? Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? 22-23. God's loyal love is enduring. On the contrary, loyalty, or loyal love, has the stability and strength to overcome the most daunting of obstacles. Is he not Gods chief loyal one? 34:6; Ps. (Psalm 16:10) How, then, can it be said that Jehovah alone is loyal? (a)How does Psalm 145 help us to identify Jehovahs loyal ones? He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. 6. How does loyal love compare with loyalty? (1Timothy 1:17) It is urgent that people learn about Jehovahs everlasting kingship and take their stand as its supporters. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. d 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. (See paragraphs20-21). 7-8. (Gal. Since 2001, the literature produced by the Watch Tower Society is said to have been "published by Jehovah's Witnesses". (Ruth 1:16) Naomi also saw Jehovahs hand when Boaz, one of their repurchasers, lovingly made generous provisions for the two women.d (Ruth 2:19, 20b) Now I understand, she must have thought, Jehovah never left me. 12. By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). 3. At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. What makes the loving-kindness of Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth especially meaningful, and what moved them to display this quality? 5. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. Then the angel says to Jehovah: You, the One who is and who was, the loyal One, are righteous, for you have issued these judgments, because they poured out the blood of holy ones and of prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; they deserve it.Revelation 16:1-6. Jehovah thus fulfilled his promise that Davids kingship would be firmly established to time indefinite.2Samuel 7:12,13; Luke 1:32,33. 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. For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. It is not like waves of the sea blown about by changing winds. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . Psalm 136 provides an answer. It must have been very comforting to Abrahams servant to hear Laban and Bethuel say: From Jehovah this thing has issued. (Ge 24 Verse50) They recognized Jehovahs hand in matters and unhesitatingly accepted his decision. King David supplies the answer. But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. 10 The account states: So [Jacob] called his son Joseph and said to him: If, now, I have found favor in your eyes, . 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. (Proverbs 12:25) Or consider the many Witnesses of Jehovah who faithfully drive the elderly to the Kingdom Hall to attend weekly congregation meetings. 2 These proverbs mention three reasons why we should show loyal love. 9:4) We want to be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Eph. How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty regarding his standards? Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. 10. 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. How is Jehovah loyal in all that he does? 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. 7:9. Next, Bethuel expressed his loving-kindness by adding: Here is Rebekah before you. The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? 10 In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty to his servants by remaining true to his standards. 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. What lesson does this account contain? Why, even humans who do not obey him benefit from the sun and rain that he lovingly provides! Finally, the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until they were beyond healing.2Chronicles 36:15,16. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. Jehovah understands that oppression can drive the wise one into madness. (Eccl. Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.Read Isaiah 32:1,2. Until you grow old I will be the same, he stated through his prophet Isaiah. 7, 8. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society produces religious literature primarily for use by Jehovah's Witnesses.The organization's international writing, artwork, translation, and printery workforce are all baptized Jehovah's Witnesses. What questions will we consider in this article? 2 Then there was Davids personal adviser, Ahithophel. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty regarding his standards? Its very manifestation indicates that a relationship exists between the person who displays the quality and the one toward whom it is shown. When Naomi learned that Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food, she decided to return to her home. Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, each of us should be grateful that Jehovahs loyal love endures forever.Romans 3:23. . Nahum Sokolow, Zionist leader, 1922, Carlsbad Conference We hate Christianity and Christians; even the best of them must be looked upon as our worst neighbors. 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. You Alone Are Loyal, Publication download options 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. 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? THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, The WatchtowerStudy Edition| November2021. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. And who was the instigator of the conspiracy? 12:25, ftn. After extolling Jehovahs marvelous qualities, he states: Your loyal ones will bless you. (Psalm 145:10) You may wonder how humans can bless God. 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. 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. 7 Since 1914, there has been added reason to speak about Jehovahs kingship. * Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. 7:9. Consider the example of David. See more of Weekly Watchtower Study Articles. Give examples to show that Jehovah is faithful to his word of promise. God's greatest demonstration of loyal love was in the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, for the redemption of humanity. . (b)How do Gods loyal ones bless him? (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. Loyal love is motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. 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 (b)According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God? I was a strapping young gossoon at that time, I tell you. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. That scheming opportunist kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel, setting himself up as a rival king. Have not both humans and angels at times displayed remarkable loyalty? When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. But we try not to take it personally. 17 Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. Would you like to read this article in %%? 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. (a)How rare is loyalty among humans, and how is this indicated in the Bible? (1John 3:17,18) If you are, be assured that your loving-kindness is deeply appreciated. For Jehovah loves justice, and he will not abandon his loyal ones. (Psalm 37:25,28) True, as the Creator, Jehovah deserves our worship. Abbe Joseph Lemann, a Jew, 1886 The League of Nations is a Jewish idea. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? a Jehovah wants us to show loyal love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. More is involved than faithfulness. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. (a)How do Gods present-day servants show loving-kindness by actions? | (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? 33:22. 24. 9 While they refuse to . As a result, we will have loyal friendsa precious reward indeed!Proverbs 18:24. 17:17. 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. In order to continue his family line, Abraham needed Bethuels cooperation. 18 Gods punishment of the wicked is in itself an act of loyalty. 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. 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. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathans father wanted to kill David. 8 To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters1 and2. Jehovah understands that oppression can drive the wise one into madness. (Eccl. 18. They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. (b)How does loyalty differ from faithfulness? They felt a moral responsibility to display this quality toward those with whom they had a relationship, even as King David later felt obliged to manifest it with regard to Mephibosheth. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. (Mark 10:29,30). The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.Psalm 72:12-14. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. It is simply because we want to forget that such situations exist. (Prov. 13 But Jehovahs loyal love endures forever in another sense as well. 12 Out of his great loving-kindness, Jehovah provides for all the needs of his servants. (a)What is loyalty? 4,5. In fact, the best way to learn just what loyalty entails is to examine how Jehovah displays this grand facet of his love. Let us consider a few. After all, a person might be faithful merely out of a sense of duty. Indeed, Gods loyal ones make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship. (Psalm 145:12) Do you seek and take full advantage of opportunities to speak to strangers about Jehovahs kingship? God's loyal love prompts you to forgive. Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. As described at Isaiah 32:1, 2, what will caring elders provide? (b)What acts of loving-kindness do you know of among Christians in your area? And to produce an heir, Naomi needed Ruths assistance. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. As discussed in Chapter26, Jehovah does not bring up errors of the past for which a person has been pardoned. At times, the mistakes of Jehovahs loyal ones may cause them to bow down in discouragement. She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. 13 Did you notice how Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth expressed their loving-kindness? 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. For example, the psalmist called the moon a faithful witness in the skies because of its regular nightly appearance. a Then, too, the word faithful can be applied to inanimate things. How did Ruth show her persistence? 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. great in loving-kindness [or, loyal love].Psalm 145:8. . (Job 14:14,15) Jehovah does not forget his loyal servants simply because they are no longer alive. 9 First of all, Jehovah reveals the truth about himself. What happened? Ruth, however, went beyond that. But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. JEHOVAH GOD'S Word exhorts us to love "loving-kindness." ( Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 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? On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. Because loyalty is an expression of lovesomething that inanimate things cannot display. One of the groups Hitler sent to the concentration camps were Jehovah's Witnesses, where they unjustly endured unspeakable atrocities and lose of life. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. 9. The apostle Paul acknowledged this and expressed his appreciation when . (Acts 20:28) Even so, their shepherding work and other acts of loving-kindness in behalf of the congregation are carried out, not under compulsion, but willingly. (1Peter 5:2) The elders shepherd the flock because they have both a responsibility and a desire to do so. 16 Consider a striking example of spiritual food received in the right season. 14. 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. 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