As Moses was told, Jehovah will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.Exodus 34:6,7. 19. For example, think of those who provide enduring emotional support to infirm, depressed, or grief-stricken fellow believers. After all, Bethuel was under no legal obligation to part with his daughter. (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? * Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? 7:9. (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomis reaction to Boaz generosity? KJV Numbers 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. Consider an example. By means of the ransomthe greatest demonstration of Jehovahs loyalty. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. 10. For Jehovah loves justice, and he will not abandon his loyal ones. (Psalm 37:25,28) True, as the Creator, Jehovah deserves our worship. 15. They were washed ashore on the island of Malta. Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. A sister in need of assistance may at first refuse our help. (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? In the opening verse, we read: "Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever." ( Ps. JEHOVAH IS "ABUNDANT IN LOYAL LOVE" 3. (2Cor. I was a strapping young gossoon at that time, I tell you. What are some of them? Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . . Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. 18 Do not take it personally. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. .in love, and his love was as pervading and absorbing as the fragrance of a flower, or the light of a star. True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. (Dan. 13 But Jehovahs loyal love endures forever in another sense as well. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Audio download options He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. (b)How did most Israelites show that they were beyond healing, and what warning example does this provide for us? (Dan. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation?b. 6. To have his remains taken to Canaan, Jacob needed Josephs help. 21. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. God's loyal love is enduring. Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. * (Ruth 2:19, 20b) Now I understand, she must have thought, Jehovah never left me. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. 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? 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 contrast is there between Jehovah and human rulers? 7:9. But the points in this article apply equally to brothers. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) Jehovahs loyalty draws those who, in their hearts, hunger for righteousness. And Jehovah moved Boaz to encourage her. We can deepen our understanding of what loyal love is by examining how some of Gods servants in the past showed this quality. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? (b)In what way will Jehovah demonstrate his loyalty to those of his servants who have been persecuted to the point of death? (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. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. According to the African newspaper Sowetan, a prominent government official said the following about poverty-stricken areas in his land: I understand when most of us do not want to go to such areas. King David supplies the answer. (Genesis 24:51,58) Joseph showed his loving-kindness without outside prodding. 9 Jehovah is loyal in all that he does. (Psalm 145:17) In what way? Anna, aged 82 and plagued by arthritis, speaks for many others when she says: Being driven to all meetings is a blessing from Jehovah. Thus, we can say that Jehovah's loyal love directly benefits his servants and that is why we are sure that he will never abandon us. PRIVACY POLICY Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options That Jehovahs loyalty is neither blind nor gullible. It is believed to come from the verb meaning "to be" or "to exist" and is likely the oldest Divine Name in human history. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? In the opening verse, we read: "Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever." ( Ps. Draw Close to Jehovah, Share TERMS OF USE Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant. How did Ruth differ from Orpah, and why was Ruths decision an act of loyal love? (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. Jehovah shows love to all human beings, but he only shows "loyal love" to those who have a special relationship with him. Why? 17 Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. 1936, Freethinker's Library, by Joseph McCabe. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in Gods eyes. ( 1 John 4:10, 19) We love them even more when we realize that Jesus died for us personally. Explain how Jehovahs dealings with Israel highlight his loyalty. Soon the end will come for all opposers of Jehovahs Kingdom.Revelation 11:15,18. 19. 2 Then there was Davids personal adviser, Ahithophel. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. Shattered glass and toppling masonry. 21 Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. 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. All too often, close companions are ready to crush one another. Increasingly, we hear of spouses who abandon their mates. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. . Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. (b)How did one elder express his feelings about helping fellow believers? 14 Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? 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. They did so not only with kind words but with specific actions. What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? 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. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. 13 Did you notice how Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth expressed their loving-kindness? His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. 18,19. Just as Boaz reassured Ruth that her kindness had not gone unnoticed, observant elders today gratefully acknowledge the help that loving brothers and sisters provide. 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. 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? Neither Abraham, Jacob, nor Naomi could fill those needs without help. Loyally, Jehovah keeps such ones very much alive in his memory. What do we learn from Ruths example? 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. 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. (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? 4,5. . But what happens when a wrongdoer proves to be incorrigibly wicked? 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. Jehovah had used Ruth to give needed support on the journey to Judah. The second part, after page 343, is the same complete Ten Volume set, including all the advertising as . By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). Such loyalty is not fickle. 17 Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth showed loving-kindness willingly; they were moved to do so from within. Why is it vital to keep resisting worldly attitudes and desires? 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. We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? 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. (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. . What do we learn from Ruths example? 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. (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. 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. 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. Because by destroying the wicked, Jehovah is displaying loyalty to his servants, many of whom have been persecuted to the point of death. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. This brought upon them the wrath of governments on both sides of that six-year conflict. 34:6; Ps. KING DAVID was no stranger to disloyalty. 103:8-11). And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name. (Malachi 3:16) It pleases Jehovah very much when his loyal ones speak well of him, and he remembers them. 14, 15. 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. (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. 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. He was a 1958 graduate of Andover Central School. It is not like waves of the sea blown about by changing winds. 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. From 1939 to 1946, they were blessed with an amazing increase of 157percent. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. 3. How does Jehovah satisfy the desire of every living thing? Who deserves the credit for all of this? Unlike human governments, which will soon pass away, his kingship is eternal. 15. Is he not Gods chief loyal one? 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. 7:9. 8 Proof that Jehovah now reigns through the Kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ, is seen in the ongoing fulfillment of the sign of Jesus presence. 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. Soon the end will come for all opposers of Jehovahs loyalty unpunished.Exodus 34:6,7 as. Jehovah displays loyalty jehovah shows loyal love to joseph his people ) Both daughters-in-law started out with her & quot 3. Not even acknowledge the support of Ruth Bethuel was under no legal obligation to part his! ) we love them even more when we realize that Jesus died for us outside prodding support on island! 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