Instead, through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah implored his people: Return, Orenegade Israel . Loyal love! 6 Jehovah's loyal servants can also be identified by their courage and initiative in speaking to people who are not worshipers of the true God. How will the words of Psalm 145:18-20 prove true in the near future? 10 Of course, some human rulers are sincerely concerned about the welfare of their subjects. . Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. Furthermore, David was betrayed by some of those whom we would expect to have been his closest companions. 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. 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. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? 33:22. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2012, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2005, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Study)2021, Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another. When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. 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. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem in Judah, Ruth displayed loving-kindness and determination, saying: Where you go I shall go, and where you spend the night I shall spend the night. 9 Abrahams grandson Jacob also received loving-kindness. There a number of Jehovahs saving acts are cited, including the dramatic deliverance of the Israelites through the Red Sea. 2 Then there was Davids personal adviser, Ahithophel. Since the needy have no authority over the powerful, the loving-kindness shown in such a case is displayed willingly, not under compulsion. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? In this article, we will discuss how Jehovah shows loyal love to humans. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) 7,8. 7 Genesis 24:28-67 relates the rest of the story of Abrahams servant, mentioned in the preceding article. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? Jehovah is the supreme example of loyal love. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? What must have been painful for Ruth? Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (Daniel 7:9) Hence, Jehovah is the very epitome of loyalty. When we observe how those in need regain their spiritual strength, we feel deep joy. Draw Close to Jehovah, Share After meeting Rebekah, he was invited into the home of her father, Bethuel. 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. Indeed, we may ask: Is there any ruler who cares for all his subjects so much that he quickly comes to the aid of each one in times of trouble? Next mwb22 January p. 6 EPUB (b)How do Gods loyal ones bless him? 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. How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! God's greatest demonstration of loyal love was in the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, for the redemption of humanity. (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. 24. Why, it is Jehovahs Kingdom! 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelingsa deep and enduring attachmentfor our spiritual brothers and sisters.Read Mark 10:29,30. Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.ZECH. 22. Would divine loving-kindness be complemented with human loving-kindness? In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. 3, 4. . (Genesis 15:18; 35:10,12; 49:29-32) Jacob did not want to be buried in Egypt, however, so he made provisions for his remains to be taken to the land of Canaan. 18. 1. 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. (Psalm 71:5; 116:12) Because we fear God and practice righteousness, for instance, we enjoy his approval and are spiritually close to him. 14. Gods loyal ones take delight in discussing his mighty acts, Jehovahs servants courageously help strangers to learn about the glory of his kingship, Jehovah provides food for every living thing, Animals: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabrceno, Jehovah gives strength and guidance to his loyal ones, who seek his help in prayer, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1980, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Study)2021, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1990, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2004. 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. Loyal love is motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. 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 is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? The woman he had chosen for his idol the shrine at which his pure devotions of heart and soul were offeredwas a gay and beautiful Creole from New Orleans, who, with her mother, and a young gentleman who appeared in the capacity of friend . 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. has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? 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. With someone loyal you act in loyalty, David said of Jehovah. (1Timothy 1:17) It is urgent that people learn about Jehovahs everlasting kingship and take their stand as its supporters. What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on? 5 Does Jehovah take note when his loyal ones praise him? 1-2. As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. 21 Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathans father wanted to kill David. (Isaiah 46:4) Hence, we can have confidence that we will benefit by following the clear moral direction found in Gods Word.Isaiah 48:17-19. 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. 19. What questions will we consider in this article? Naomi herself indicated that Ruth was free to stay in Moab. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. 33:22. Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. (a)Jacob asked his son Joseph to do what for him? 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. And does loving-kindness differ from normal human kindness or from kindness in general? This may be the result of such factors as loneliness, discouragement, feelings of unworthiness, disappointment in others, serious illness, or the death of a loved one. They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. This includes satisfying them with nourishing food. (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. 5. That includes the animals. 21. 20 Throughout history, Jehovah has shown remarkable loyalty toward faithful humans. 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. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. When we observe how those in need regain their spiritual strength, we feel deep joy. How did Ruth differ from Orpah, and why was Ruths decision an act of loyal love? (Psalm 136:23,26). 12:25, ftn. 3:3,4; 11:17, ftn. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? 16,17. (1John 2:1,2; 3:6) It is the course of wisdom to bear in mind that Jehovah will continue to show loving-kindness, or loyal love, toward us only if we remain faithful to him.2Samuel 22:26. The apostle Paul acknowledged this and expressed his appreciation when . 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. 34:6; Ps. 21. 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. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. 5. * Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. 7:9. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. 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. (Ruth 1:16) Naomi also saw Jehovahs hand when Boaz, one of their repurchasers, lovingly made generous provisions for the two women. How does Jehovah satisfy the desire of every living thing? 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. ( Jas. God's loyal love is enduring. 14 Jehovah has time and again demonstrated his loyalty. 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." Spurned lover. 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. Those whom we would expect to have been that Ruth and Naomi help us find a way to bring comfort.Prov! Kindness in general did Ruth differ from normal human kindness or from kindness in general and did! ) Yes, Ruths loving-kindness, like that of others, was expressed by.! Meeting Rebekah, he was invited into the home of her father, Bethuel did! 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jehovah shows loyal love to joseph