* (Ruth 2:19, 20b) Now I understand, she must have thought, Jehovah never left me. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) What benefits come to those who show loyal love? His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. 14. Indeed, God's loyal ones "make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship." (Mark 10:29,30). How does loyal love compare with loyalty? Esther 3:7-9; 4:65:1 How did Esther demonstrate godly loyalty toward her people, even at the risk of her life? Examining Jehovah Gods example will help us to display those qualities. 18 Gods punishment of the wicked is in itself an act of loyalty. (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. 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. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. Yes, he pays attention to what they say. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? 21. 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? (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. YLT Numbers 14:1 And all the company lifteth up and give forth their voice, and the people weep during that night; . Carry on with one another loving-kindness.ZECHARIAH 7:9. God's loyal love is enduring. How does Jehovah show appreciation for the loyalty of his servants? (2Samuel 22:26) What is loyalty, and how does Jehovah provide the loftiest example of this quality? 19. 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!Read Hebrews 13:16. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. 5. But we try not to take it personally. (2Cor. Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.ZECH. In this article, we will consider what we can learn from the examples of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? This includes satisfying them with nourishing food. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? will not return to me without results, but it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, and it will have sure success in what I send it to do. (Isaiah 55:11) By remaining faithful to his word, Jehovah shows loyalty to his people. 6:2) We hope that she will eventually accept our hand of friendship and allow us to help lift her out of despair. This fine book will surely play an important role in helping Gods loyal ones to draw even closer to him. . This brought upon them the wrath of governments on both sides of that six-year conflict. But Ruth stuck with her. (Ruth 1:7-14) By choosing to return, Orpah was following Naomis instructions, doing what was expected. In that same year, the November1 issue of The Watchtower contained an article entitled Neutrality. As a result of the clear information presented, Jehovahs Witnesses around the world saw the need to maintain strict neutrality in the affairs of the warring nations. Note how she expressed her feelings about God: The hand of Jehovah has turned against me. The Almighty has made life very bitter for me. She also said: It is Jehovah who opposed me and the Almighty who caused me calamity.Ruth 1:13, 20,21. As the Ancient of Days, he has been displaying loyalty longer than any creature, earthly or heavenly. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. . By his great loving-kindness, he has made it possible for the slave class to provide food in its season. Through such provisions, the desire of every living thing in the present-day spiritual paradise gets satisfied. 1-2. In contrast, loyalty is rooted in love. 11. 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. 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! . What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? Consider some examples. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. What was Bethuels reaction to matters involving Rebekah? 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. Yet, she stuck with Naomi. How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! Showing loving-kindness, or loyal love, forges warm and lasting bonds with others. (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomis reaction to Boaz generosity? 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. 17 Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:15,16) Even in times of calamity, Jehovah can maneuver matters so that his loyal ones get bread for the day.Luke 11:3; 12:29,30. (a) What characteristics of God's loving-kindness stand out in his Word? What will help us not to give up easily? What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." 4,5. (b)How does loyalty differ from faithfulness? When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? And does loving-kindness differ from normal human kindness or from kindness in general? 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. True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. 8 Jehovah had already shown loving-kindness to Abraham. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? 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. What grand future awaits all of Gods loyal ones? Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovahs reminder: Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.Zech. 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. In order to continue his family line, Abraham needed Bethuels cooperation. 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. 2 Then there was Davids personal adviser, Ahithophel. Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . 6 To identify some additional characteristics of loving-kindness, we will briefly consider three Bible accounts that feature this quality. In fact, for thousands of years, Jehovah has tolerated with much patience vessels of wrath made fit for destruction. Why? 15. . On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. 3. . 18. Those who showed loyal love did so, not because they had to, but because their hearts impelled them. In social settings and at Christian meetings, what is a common theme of their discussions? (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? Would you like to read this article in %%? God is love.. Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. To whom should we show loyal love? (1John 3:17,18) If you are, be assured that your loving-kindness is deeply appreciated. 6. What characteristics of loving-kindness expressed between humans stand out in Gods Word? 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. As a result, we will have loyal friendsa precious reward indeed!Proverbs 18:24. Ruth would now be able to provide an heir for Naomi, who was beyond the age of childbearing. They use the divine name in private conversations. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . What happened? (Acts 27:3728:1) Although the Maltese had neither a prior commitment to the stranded voyagers nor an existing relationship with them, the islanders received the strangers hospitably, showing them extraordinary human kindness. (Acts 28:2,7) Their hospitality was kind, but it was incidental and shown to strangers. 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. 18. The blessings that Jehovah loyally extends to his faithful servants are everlasting. How will the words of Psalm 145:18-20 prove true in the near future? For example, the psalmist called the moon a faithful witness in the skies because of its regular nightly appearance. 17 The spiritual food that Jehovah provides is not only timely but also richly satisfying. 22 To continue benefiting from our close relationship with Jehovah God, it is also vital that we keep on resisting such spiritually detrimental things as materialism, unwholesome entertainment, an unforgiving spirit, or indifference toward needy ones. 17 Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth showed loving-kindness willingly; they were moved to do so from within. 12, 13. 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. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. .in love, and his love was as pervading and absorbing as the fragrance of a flower, or the light of a star.
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