How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? This includes satisfying them with nourishing food. 23. When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." . 6 When we consider how much Jehovah and Jesus love us, we are moved to love them in return. How does Jehovah satisfy the desire of every living thing? What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? 18. I'll show you my likeness one day. 9:4) We want to be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Eph. Consider Michal, Davids first wife. 7, 8. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. 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. 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. 17. And does loving-kindness differ from normal human kindness or from kindness in general? What will help us not to give up easily? In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? 7. (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomis reaction to Boaz generosity? 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. 21. 19. (a)With what attitude do Christian elders shepherd the flock? 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. As discussed in Chapter26, Jehovah does not bring up errors of the past for which a person has been pardoned. 8 To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters1 and2. How well does Jehovah provide for the needs of every living thing? How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? God's loyal love is enduring. (b)What questions will we consider? 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. What must have been painful for Ruth? 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. 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. Or would the servants long journey have been in vain? . Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. . (Mark 10:29,30). We can deepen our understanding of what loyal love is by examining how some of Gods servants in the past showed this quality. . The supreme name of God is YHWH (also known as Yahweh or Jehovah). 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? 14. 10 Of course, some human rulers are sincerely concerned about the welfare of their subjects. (Genesis 50:4,5) Ruth was persistent about going with [Naomi]. (Ruth 1:18) When Naomi suggested that Ruth approach Boaz, loving-kindness moved the Moabitess to declare: All that you say to me I shall do.Ruth 3:1-5. 9. Yet, she stuck with Naomi. (Psalm 136:23,26). It is simply because we want to forget that such situations exist. (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? What activity helps us to identify Gods loyal ones? (Job 1:1; Revelation 4:8) And what of Jesus Christ? 7 The Bible says of Jehovah: You alone are loyal. (Revelation 15:4) How can that be? 4 Loyalty as used in the Hebrew Scriptures is kindness that lovingly attaches itself to an object and does not let go until its purpose in connection with that object is realized. . (Gal. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. 11. We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. 33:22. Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. And surely we will honor Jehovah and experience great joy as we carry on with one another loving-kindness.Zechariah 7:9. a For details on the type of marriage involved here, see Volume1, page370, of Insight on the Scriptures, published by Jehovahs Witnesses. . 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. Jehovah is . 1,2. (1Sam. God's loyal love is enduring. 10. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. (a)How did Ruth show loving-kindness to Naomi? 1-2. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. He did not turn against his distraught servant. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? Because of his personal experience and his meditation on Gods dealings with others, David could confidently sing: Jehovah is . 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. (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? Instead, through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah implored his people: Return, Orenegade Israel . . 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. 4 Jehovahs loyal ones can be identified as those who use their mouths to speak well of him. 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. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation? (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. All this spiritual food has been a blessing to true worshipers around the earth. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. (Dan. What crucial time draws near, and how can we deal with it? 11,12. Let us consider a few. Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.ZECH. There a number of Jehovahs saving acts are cited, including the dramatic deliverance of the Israelites through the Red Sea. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. 19 Note that in the midst of delivering that message of judgment, the angel refers to Jehovah as the loyal One. Why? 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. Throughout all his adversity, David knew that indeed there was. 3 In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. (a)Jacob asked his son Joseph to do what for him? 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. 14, 15. 3 Was there no one who remained loyal to David? Until you grow old I will be the same, he stated through his prophet Isaiah. 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! We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. 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. (2Cor. 1,2. Moreover, millions of Bible study aids continue to be published in over 300 languages. 19. 21 So, then, let us continue to imitate Jehovah God, who is abundant in loving-kindness. (Exodus 34:6; Ephesians 5:1) We can do so by willingly taking specific action, particularly in behalf of those in need. 9 While they refuse to . When someone in the congregation falls on hard times, they do not hesitate to reach out to that person and help in practical ways. JEHOVAH GODS Word exhorts us to love loving-kindness. (Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 9 Abrahams grandson Jacob also received loving-kindness. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. Jehovah demonstrates loyal love to his faithful servants. Mr. Davis was born on March 13, 1939 in North Hornell to Lewis F. and Margaret Angielee (Dodge) Davis. Jehovah shows love to all human beings, but he only shows "loyal love" to those who have a special relationship with him. * Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. Since it is our desire to draw close to God, may we respond to his love by strengthening our resolve to serve him with loyalty. What help did God provide? Soon the end will come for all opposers of Jehovahs Kingdom.Revelation 11:15,18. Jehovah had used Ruth to give needed support on the journey to Judah. 3. His Word says that the righteous one will be like a tree planted by streams of water, a tree that produces fruit in its season, the foliage of which does not wither. One of the groups Hitler sent to the concentration camps were Jehovah's Witnesses, where they unjustly endured unspeakable atrocities and lose of life. This fine book will surely play an important role in helping Gods loyal ones to draw even closer to him. 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. What happened? How does loyal love compare with loyalty? 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. In a prophecy relating to true worship in our day, Malachi wrote: At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. No, indeed, for Psalm 145 says: Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. What will help us not to give up easily? What contrast is there between Jehovah and human rulers? 13 David mentioned that every living thing gets satisfied. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? For one thing, "a man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul." ( Proverbs 11:17) How true! Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. JEHOVAH GOD'S Word exhorts us to love "loving-kindness." ( Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 18 Do not take it personally. Because by destroying the wicked, Jehovah is displaying loyalty to his servants, many of whom have been persecuted to the point of death. Why, it is Jehovahs Kingdom! 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. Yes, there is. 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!Read Hebrews 13:16. . That includes the animals. David told Mephibosheth: You yourself will eat bread at my table constantly. Explaining why he was making this provision, David told him: Without fail I shall exercise loving-kindness toward you for the sake of Jonathan your father. (2Samuel 9:6, 7,13) Davids enduring hospitality is rightly referred to as an exercise of loving-kindness, not merely kindness, for it was an evidence of his loyalty to an established relationship. Loyal love is motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? 20 How thrilling it will be to experience Jehovahs nearness and his saving power when he annihilates all the wicked! How does loyal love compare with loyalty? 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. 14. Shattered glass and toppling masonry. (Ge 24 Verses28-32) There the servant recounted in detail his search for a wife for Abrahams son. (Jeremiah 31:3) Do you not feel closer to Jehovah for the deep loyalty he has shown and will yet show? (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. Pr 21:21. (a)What is loyalty? | Jehovah understands that oppression can drive the wise one into madness. (Eccl. Esther 3:7-9; 4:65:1 How did Esther demonstrate godly loyalty toward her people, even at the risk of her life? 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. (See paragraphs20-21). Truly, in the righteous new world that Jehovah will bring, obedient mankind will experience his loyal love forever.Revelation 21:3,4. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. 5 In its Scriptural sense, loyalty is warm. The Loyal Love of God In part one (0:00-16:10), Tim, Jon, and Carissa explore the fourth attribute God assigns himself in Exodus 34:6-7: loyal love. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS To have his remains taken to Canaan, Jacob needed Josephs help. .in love, and his love was as pervading and absorbing as the fragrance of a flower, or the light of a star. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. Consider the example of David. . He reveals his personal name, which appears more times in the Bible than any other name. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Audio download options How does Psalm 145 help to identify Gods loyal ones? What a marvelous blessing the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has been! Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. 22-23. Examining Jehovah Gods example will help us to display those qualities. 14 Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. Loyally, Jehovah keeps such ones very much alive in his memory. 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. ; 21:21. What lesson does this account contain? ^ par. He did not turn against his distraught servant. (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. 20,21. Who are in need of our expressions of loving-kindness, and what should each of us be determined to do? "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 can we show loyal love today? 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. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. Explain how Jehovahs dealings with Israel highlight his loyalty. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . (Ruth 1:8) Ruth was also free to marry one of the young fellows instead of aged Boaz. For example, the psalmist called the moon a faithful witness in the skies because of its regular nightly appearance. 22. Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. What lesson does this account contain? 3 Normal human kindness and loving-kindness differ in various ways. How do we know that Jehovah takes note when his loyal ones speak well of him? (1Timothy 1:17) It is urgent that people learn about Jehovahs everlasting kingship and take their stand as its supporters. 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! Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. 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. 12. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. Just as Ruth stuck with Naomi, kindhearted brothers and sisters today willingly stick with those in the congregation who are despondent or depressed. (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? Bethuel willingly cooperated with Abrahams servant, and so did Rebekah. 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