In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. 13. 20. Who are the vessels of mercy, and how does Jehovah show loyalty to them? Because loyalty is an expression of lovesomething that inanimate things cannot display. They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. 10 In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty to his servants by remaining true to his standards. 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. How do Jehovahs loyal ones show that they delight in using the divine name? 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. But Ruth stuck with her. (Ruth 1:7-14) By choosing to return, Orpah was following Naomis instructions, doing what was expected. (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? When someone in the congregation falls on hard times, they do not hesitate to reach out to that person and help in practical ways. His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathans father wanted to kill David. great in loving-kindness.PSALM 145:8. The moon is called a faithful witness, but only intelligent living creatures can truly reflect Jehovahs loyalty. For Jehovah loves justice, and he will not abandon his loyal ones. (Psalm 37:25,28) True, as the Creator, Jehovah deserves our worship. JEHOVAH GODS Word exhorts us to love loving-kindness. (Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers? For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. 17 What do we learn from this? (a)How does Jehovah show loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation? What questions will we consider in this article? 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. How painful that must have been for Ruth! 4 Jehovahs loyal ones can be identified as those who use their mouths to speak well of him. At times, the mistakes of Jehovahs loyal ones may cause them to bow down in discouragement. What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on? 5 Does Jehovah take note when his loyal ones praise him? Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. . (Gal. Initially, she was in love with David, no doubt supporting him in his kingly endeavors. How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! 5 By comparison, consider the hospitality that King David showed to Mephibosheth, the son of his friend Jonathan. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. Truly, in the righteous new world that Jehovah will bring, obedient mankind will experience his loyal love forever.Revelation 21:3,4. Ruth, however, went beyond that. In social settings and at Christian meetings, what is a common theme of their discussions? 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. 9. God's loyal love is enduring. Yes, he pays attention to what they say. 15 In his loyal love, Jehovah repeatedly comes to the aid of his people when they are in distress. Why is it vital to keep resisting worldly attitudes and desires? 19 A crucial stage in settling the issue of Jehovahs sovereignty is drawing near. Despite being banned and persecuted, however, Gods loyal ones kept on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. 10 The account states: So [Jacob] called his son Joseph and said to him: If, now, I have found favor in your eyes, . It pricks our conscience and we are embarrassed by the expensive [automobiles] we drive.. What crucial time draws near, and how can we deal with it? 23 Let us therefore keep our thoughts centered on the grand future that awaits all of Jehovahs loyal ones. 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. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. 7-8. How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. He does not keep them anxiously awaiting something that he does not intend to bring about. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, The WatchtowerStudy Edition| November2021. 17 The spiritual food that Jehovah provides is not only timely but also richly satisfying. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. Absaloms revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life.2Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. Ruth, however, went beyond that. 14. What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? GOD is love. (1John 4:8) That heartwarming phrase proves that Jehovahs way of ruling is based on 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. 5. He displays this quality in a manner that no creature can match. He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. ; 21:21. 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. On the contrary, they aver that they show their respect through less demonstrative methods manifesting their allegiance, by their simple obedience to the country's laws, 7 by not engaging in anti-government activities of any kind, 8 and by paying their taxes and dues to society a self-sucient members of the community. . They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. . 18. 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. What fact about loving-kindness is underscored by the Bible accounts discussed in this article? 19. 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. 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. Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 22. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. Would divine loving-kindness be complemented with human loving-kindness? How can we show loyal love today? 34:6; Ps. Explain how Jehovahs dealings with Israel highlight his loyalty. you must exercise loving-kindness and trustworthiness toward me. When Naomi learned that Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food, she decided to return to her home. 15. Next, Bethuel expressed his loving-kindness by adding: Here is Rebekah before you. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. Give examples to show that Jehovah is faithful to his word of promise. 3 In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. Therefore, it was human kindness. 14 Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. 19 The Bible accounts we have discussed also underscore the fact that loving-kindness is to be shown to those who have a need that they themselves cannot fill. I was, faith. 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. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? (Psalm 110:3; 1Thessalonians 5:12) Such elders, or overseers, feel a responsibility to live up to the trust conferred upon them by reason of their appointment. 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. How does he do so? 7 The Bible says of Jehovah: You alone are loyal. (Revelation 15:4) How can that be? 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. . (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, she stopped trying to convince her.Ruth 1:15-18. Jehovah will loyally remember and resurrect those who have proved loyal even to death, Bernard Luimes (left) and Wolfgang Kusserow (center) were executed by the Nazis, Moses Nyamussua (right) was speared to death by a political group. Jehovah shows love to all human beings, but he only shows "loyal love" to those who have a special relationship with him. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. 12 The first instance of Ruths loving-kindness referred to the time when she left her people and stuck with Naomi. Today, as in the past, many of our brothers and sisters have chosen to show loyal love for fellow believers, even to those whom they do not know personally. 9:4) We want to be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Eph. 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. Just as Ruth stuck with Naomi, kindhearted brothers and sisters today willingly stick with those in the congregation who are despondent or depressed. 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? 17 Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. Until you grow old I will be the same, he stated through his prophet Isaiah. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? He was a 1958 graduate of Andover Central School. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. As discussed in Chapter26, Jehovah does not bring up errors of the past for which a person has been pardoned. 20 Throughout history, Jehovah has shown remarkable loyalty toward faithful humans. 15-16. 14, 15. (a)Why should we display loving-kindness? 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! It will be an all-out attempt on the part of Satan to break the integrity of Gods loyal ones. . 17:17. 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. Unlike human governments, which will soon pass away, his kingship is eternal. (Genesis 20:13; 2Samuel 3:8; 16:17) Or they may be founded on relationships resulting from prior acts of kindness. (2Samuel 22:26) What is loyalty, and how does Jehovah provide the loftiest example of this quality? 9 Abrahams grandson Jacob also received loving-kindness. What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? Moreover, millions of Bible study aids continue to be published in over 300 languages. (b)What questions will we consider? On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. I'll show you my likeness one day. 11. In what ways was loving-kindness exercised by Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth? How is spiritual food being provided today? For one thing, a man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul. (Proverbs 11:17) How true! Since the needy have no authority over the powerful, the loving-kindness shown in such a case is displayed willingly, not under compulsion. (Psalm 136:23,26). 2 Jehovah shows love for his true worshipers in a precious, lasting way. 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. 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. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Share 17. (Ruth 1:14; 2:11) Even that act was surpassed by the last instance of loving-kindnessRuths willingness to marry Boaz. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. 1936, Freethinker's Library, by Joseph McCabe. 9, 10. 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. Jehovah is guarding all those loving him, but all the wicked ones he will annihilate.Psalm 145:18-20. In fact, the best way to learn just what loyalty entails is to examine how Jehovah displays this grand facet of his love. After meeting Rebekah, he was invited into the home of her father, Bethuel. 21. 7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. Indeed, they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God, and they despised his words and mocked his prophets. With what result? 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. 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