(b)How do Gods loyal ones bless him? But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. What are some of them? 17:17. Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. 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)In what way was the last instance of Ruths loving-kindness better than the first? He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. 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. But Ruth did not give up. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. 10. 9 While they refuse to . THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Share 19. 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. 15 The Bible narratives that we have considered also show that loving-kindness is extended freely and willingly, not under compulsion. He reveals his personal name, which appears more times in the Bible than any other name. 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelingsa deep and enduring attachmentfor our spiritual brothers and sisters.Read Mark 10:29,30. 15 For example, most of Jehovahs people now benefit from a fresh and accurate translation of the Bible in their own language. a Then, too, the word faithful can be applied to inanimate things. 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. In what ways does Jehovahs loyal love endure forever? 4. 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. All too often, close companions are ready to crush one another. Increasingly, we hear of spouses who abandon their mates. 6. You Alone Are Loyal, Publication download options (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. For one thing, "a man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul." ( Proverbs 11:17) How true! Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.Read Isaiah 32:1,2. The apostle Paul acknowledged this and expressed his appreciation when . opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . 21. 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 did Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth exercise their loving-kindness? 11. 6. Would you like to read this article in %%? 4 Jehovahs loyal ones can be identified as those who use their mouths to speak well of him. The supreme name of God is YHWH (also known as Yahweh or Jehovah). Showing loving-kindness, or loyal love, forges warm and lasting bonds with others. (See paragraphs20-21). Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (Psalm 136:23,26). Carry on with one another loving-kindness.ZECHARIAH 7:9. As never before, worshipers of Jehovah will need to call upon him earnestly, even crying for help. This book, produced by the faithful and discreet slave and published by Jehovahs Witnesses, focuses on Jehovah Gods marvelous qualities, including those mentioned in Psalm 145. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. Since 1976, all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders at the denomination's headquarters. 22. 18,19. Gods Word clearly shows that any last-minute use of his name by the wicked has always proved to be in vain.Proverbs 1:28,29; Micah 3:4; Luke 13:24,25. (Please, do not bury me in Egypt.) 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. Then you will find favor and good insight in the eyes of God and man. A man of loyal love benefits himself. Whoever pursues righteousness and loyal love will find life.Prov. At times, the mistakes of Jehovahs loyal ones may cause them to bow down in discouragement. Or would the servants long journey have been in vain? 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. 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. Its very manifestation indicates that a relationship exists between the person who displays the quality and the one toward whom it is shown. (Ps. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. 12. 6 Jehovahs loyal servants can also be identified by their courage and initiative in speaking to people who are not worshipers of the true God. I will not look down angrily on you, for I am loyal. (Jeremiah 3:12) As noted in Chapter25, however, most of the Israelites were not moved. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation? After meeting Rebekah, he was invited into the home of her father, Bethuel. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. 21 Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. 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. But we try not to take it personally. . (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. Spurned lover. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Audio download options Through them, Jehovah has indeed provided spiritual food in abundance. Instead, through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah implored his people: Return, Orenegade Israel . (1John 2:15-17; 3:15-17) If not corrected, such pursuits and traits can result in the practice of serious sin and the eventual loss of Jehovahs approval. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. He longs to see these departed faithful ones again, and the Bible confirms that his purpose is to reward them with a resurrection. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. 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! (a)What shocking lack of appreciation did the Israelites display, yet how did Jehovah show compassion toward them? 12:25, ftn. For example, those showing human kindness often do so without having a deep and personal involvement, or relationship, with the individuals they treat kindly. Because loyalty is an expression of lovesomething that inanimate things cannot display. Helping the brothers is a great source of joy and satisfaction to me! Caring elders everywhere wholeheartedly agree. 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. 1. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. Since Jehovah is perfectly consistent, the loyalty he shows toward his faithful servants never wanes. ; 21:21. 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. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.ZECH. (b)How does loyalty differ from faithfulness? They do so primarily by praising him or by speaking well of him. Consider some examples. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH ABOUT SHOWING LOYAL LOVE? It is not like waves of the sea blown about by changing winds. In contrast, loyalty is rooted in love. Because of his personal experience and his meditation on Gods dealings with others, David could confidently sing: Jehovah is . ( Ps 63:3) We too should show loyal love to others. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. How well does Jehovah provide for the needs of every living thing? (Psalm 16:10) How, then, can it be said that Jehovah alone is loyal? (Mark 10:29,30). 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. 3:3,4; 11:17, ftn. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. (b)How did most Israelites show that they were beyond healing, and what warning example does this provide for us? Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. What did Abrahams servant tell Bethuel and Laban, and what issue did the servant raise? This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. 16 Be persistent. True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. 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. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? 10. 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. 19. 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. What contrast is there between Jehovah and human rulers? Some suffer from chronic illness or because of bereavement. 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. But we try not to take it personally. Anna, aged 82 and plagued by arthritis, speaks for many others when she says: Being driven to all meetings is a blessing from Jehovah. 1-2. (a)What examples are there of spiritual food that came in the right season? What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? 3 Normal human kindness and loving-kindness differ in various ways. Next, Bethuel expressed his loving-kindness by adding: Here is Rebekah before you. 1,2. (Matthew 19:28) By opening up the way of salvation for these vessels of mercy, Jehovah remained loyal to Abraham, to whom he had made this covenant promise: By means of your offspring all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves because you have listened to my voice.Genesis 22:18. 19. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. In this article, we will consider what we can learn from the examples of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. 3 In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty regarding his standards? 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