How does he do so? Moreover, millions of Bible study aids continue to be published in over 300 languages. 5:14. 5 In its Scriptural sense, loyalty is warm. (See paragraphs20-21). (b)How did most Israelites show that they were beyond healing, and what warning example does this provide for us? 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. 2. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation?b. . 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. As never before, worshipers of Jehovah will need to call upon him earnestly, even crying for help. 24 What have we learned from the book of Ruth about loyal love? 7-8. 12, 13. 10 In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty to his servants by remaining true to his standards. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. 12. They use the divine name in private conversations. 6. 7:9. What benefits come to those who show loyal love? JEHOVAH IS "ABUNDANT IN LOYAL LOVE" 3. 24 What have we learned from the book of Ruth about loyal love? When Naomi learned that Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food, she decided to return to her home. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH ABOUT SHOWING LOYAL LOVE? TERMS OF USE (1Timothy 1:17) It is urgent that people learn about Jehovahs everlasting kingship and take their stand as its supporters. Jehovah helped them to understand that the primary issue, involving the whole universe, relates to Jehovahs rightful sovereignty. After all, Bethuel was under no legal obligation to part with his daughter. Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. 2 These proverbs mention three reasons why we should show loyal love. Moreover, their striking record of integrity during that war continues to help people to identify the true religion.Isaiah 2:2-4. Whatever trial befalls them, however, Jehovah is always ready to give comfort and spiritual strength to each one of them. One of the groups Hitler sent to the concentration camps were Jehovah's Witnesses, where they unjustly endured unspeakable atrocities and lose of life. King David wrote: To you [Jehovah] the eyes of all look hopefully, and you are giving them their food in its season. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. 12 Out of his great loving-kindness, Jehovah provides for all the needs of his servants. 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. 18 Gods punishment of the wicked is in itself an act of loyalty. What must have been painful for Ruth? Despite being banned and persecuted, however, Gods loyal ones kept on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. Moses therefore told the Israelites: It was not because you were the most numerous of all the peoples that Jehovah showed affection for you and chose you, for you were the smallest of all the peoples. What do we learn from Ruths example? 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. In the following article, we will discuss how we as God's servants can imitate Jehovah by showing loyal love to one another. On the contrary, loyalty, or loyal love, has the stability and strength to overcome the most daunting of obstacles. This brought upon them the wrath of governments on both sides of that six-year conflict. Yet, she stuck with Naomi. Anna, aged 82 and plagued by arthritis, speaks for many others when she says: Being driven to all meetings is a blessing from Jehovah. 5:14. What crucial time draws near, and how can we deal with it? Rather, it was because of Jehovahs love for you and because he kept the oath that he had sworn to your forefathers that Jehovah brought you out with a mighty hand, to redeem you from the house of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.Deuteronomy 7:7,8. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. I'll show you my likeness one day. Bethuel willingly cooperated with Abrahams servant, and so did Rebekah. Naomi herself indicated that Ruth was free to stay in Moab. . 2 Jehovah shows love for his true worshipers in a precious, lasting way. 21 Jehovah shows similar loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation and of living forever on a paradise earth. 5 Does Jehovah take note when his loyal ones praise him? Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovahs reminder: Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.Zech. 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. What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? But how can we show loving-kindness? (Proverbs 27:11) Unlike Satan, who slanders Jehovah and his way of ruling, Jehovahs loyal ones continue to declare publicly: Jehovah is righteous in all his ways.Psalm 145:17. Yet, they express enduring loving-kindness, or loyal love, to those with whom they share a God-approved relationship.Matthew 5:45; Galatians 6:10. (a)Jacob asked his son Joseph to do what for him? 9 Jehovah is loyal in all that he does. (Psalm 145:17) In what way? 21. 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. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. He reveals his personal name, which appears more times in the Bible than any other name. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. In order to continue his family line, Abraham needed Bethuels cooperation. As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. 24. The Jew, who sinned against the light of his revelation, will have a severer retribution than the Gentile who only sinned against the light of his own conscience; and the nations of Christendom who have rejected the gospel will incur a darker doom than the native . (b)How does loyalty differ from faithfulness? He did not turn against his distraught servant. After their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, the Israelites proclaimed in song to Jehovah: In your loyal love you have led the people whom you have redeemed. (Exodus 15:13) The deliverance at the Red Sea certainly was an act of loyal love on Jehovahs part. Is he not Gods chief loyal one? 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. What questions will we consider in this article? (Gal. ; 24:10) This is in line with the apostle Pauls admonition: Speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all.1Thess. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. (Ruth 1:16) Ruth later expressed her loving-kindness when she indicated her willingness to marry Naomis elderly relative Boaz.a (Deuteronomy 25:5,6; Ruth 3:6-9) He told Ruth: You have expressed your loving-kindness better in the last instance than in the first instance, in not going after the young fellows whether lowly or rich.Ruth 3:10. This was done to make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory. (Romans 9:22,23) These vessels of mercy are rightly disposed ones who are anointed by holy spirit to be joint heirs with Christ in his Kingdom. To whom should we show loyal love? Who? 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. 5 Jehovah wants us to show loyal love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. . you must exercise loving-kindness and trustworthiness toward me. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. 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. 1,2. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation? . When we observe how those in need regain their spiritual strength, we feel deep joy. 17:17. 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). See more of Weekly Watchtower Study Articles. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. After extolling Jehovahs marvelous qualities, he states: Your loyal ones will bless you. (Psalm 145:10) You may wonder how humans can bless God. 14 Unlike animals, humans have a spiritual need. 10. Its very manifestation indicates that a relationship exists between the person who displays the quality and the one toward whom it is shown. 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. When someone in the congregation falls on hard times, they do not hesitate to reach out to that person and help in practical ways. How does loving-kindness differ from human kindness? a Then, too, the word faithful can be applied to inanimate things. Or would the servants long journey have been in vain? 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. ^ par. 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." (1John 3:17,18) If you are, be assured that your loving-kindness is deeply appreciated. How can we show loyal love today? (Joshua 2:1, 12-14; 1Samuel 15:6; 2Samuel 10:1,2) To illustrate this difference, let us compare two Bible examples, one of kindness and one of loving-kindness expressed between humans. . First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. What help did God provide? 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. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. 21 Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. "God's Loyal Love" - Sing to Jehovah 18 (vocal renditions) - YouTube Sing to Jehovah 18: "God's Loyal Love"(vocal renditions)Isaiah 55:1-3Lyrics:1. How? 3:3,4; 11:17, ftn. (a)How does Jehovah show loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation? The desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear, and he will save them. 20 Throughout history, Jehovah has shown remarkable loyalty toward faithful humans. 34:6; Ps. (Genesis 20:13; 2Samuel 3:8; 16:17) Or they may be founded on relationships resulting from prior acts of kindness. But Ruth stuck with her. (Ruth 1:7-14) By choosing to return, Orpah was following Naomis instructions, doing what was expected. 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. 11 The book of Ruth relates how the widow Naomi received loving-kindness from her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who was also a widow. Joseph and Jacobs other sons carried his body into the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, the field that Abraham had purchased. (Genesis 50:5-8, 12-14) Thus Joseph exercised loving-kindness toward his father. 6 Granted, such loyalty is rare today. 14. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . But Ruth did not give up. In this article, we will discuss how Jehovah shows loyal love to humans. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty regarding his standards? How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? Since Jehovah is perfectly consistent, the loyalty he shows toward his faithful servants never wanes. Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another, Publication download options What are some of them? 4:8) Jehovah also reveals his qualities, the kind of God he is. (Prov. ; 21:21. As a result, we will have loyal friendsa precious reward indeed!Proverbs 18:24. 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. They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. Give examples to show that Jehovah is faithful to his word of promise. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. It will be an all-out attempt on the part of Satan to break the integrity of Gods loyal ones. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. 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? And Jehovah moved Boaz to encourage her. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.Psalm 72:12-14. (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. | Have not both humans and angels at times displayed remarkable loyalty? The marriage took place, and when Ruth later gave birth, the women of Bethlehem cried out: A son has been born to Naomi. (Ruth 4:14,17) Ruth truly was an excellent woman, who thus was rewarded by Jehovah with the wonderful privilege of becoming an ancestress of Jesus Christ.Ruth 2:12; 3:11; 4:18-22; Matthew 1:1, 5,6. Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! What was Bethuels reaction to matters involving Rebekah? 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. 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