7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. How does loving-kindness differ from human kindness? 10 How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. 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. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. (Dan. 16 Consider a striking example of spiritual food received in the right season. (Ps. And to produce an heir, Naomi needed Ruths assistance. What help did God provide? 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! 19. 24. In what ways was loving-kindness exercised by Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth? 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! In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. How painful that must have been for Ruth! What are some of them? How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? 7, 8. How does loving-kindness differ from human kindness? 12 Often the most effective way you can help a discouraged brother or sister is by lending a listening ear and by reassuring him or her of your love. Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelingsa deep and enduring attachmentfor our spiritual brothers and sisters.Read Mark 10:29,30. Initially, she was in love with David, no doubt supporting him in his kingly endeavors. We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. Or would the servants long journey have been in vain? (Acts 20:28) Even so, their shepherding work and other acts of loving-kindness in behalf of the congregation are carried out, not under compulsion, but willingly. (1Peter 5:2) The elders shepherd the flock because they have both a responsibility and a desire to do so. And who was the instigator of the conspiracy? (b)How did one elder express his feelings about helping fellow believers? (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? No matter what the cause, all such dear ones have needs that can and should be filled by our willing and enduring acts of loving-kindness.1Thessalonians 5:14. Balei ngi lah ban ong ba ka jingsiewspah ka dei ka jingai sngewbha a ngi shimet shimet? For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. (Proverbs 18:24; Malachi 2:14-16) Treacherous acts are so common that we might find ourselves echoing the words of the prophet Micah: The loyal one has perished from the earth. (Micah 7:2) Although humans often fail to show loyalty, that precious quality outstandingly characterizes 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. What does it mean to be approachable and impartial? 5:14. 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. 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. (Genesis 20:13; 2Samuel 3:8; 16:17) Or they may be founded on relationships resulting from prior acts of kindness. (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? Absalom, Davids own son! The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? Why, even humans who do not obey him benefit from the sun and rain that he lovingly provides! What makes the loving-kindness of Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth especially meaningful, and what moved them to display this quality? How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? 7:9. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. . In contrast, loyalty is rooted in love. 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. 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. Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovahs reminder: Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.Zech. Jehovah helped them to understand that the primary issue, involving the whole universe, relates to Jehovahs rightful sovereignty. JEHOVAH GOD'S Word exhorts us to love "loving-kindness." ( Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. . Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovahs reminder: Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.Zech. 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. During 1939, World WarII started in Europe. 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. Is he not Gods chief loyal one? To whom should we show loyal love? Because loyalty is an expression of lovesomething that inanimate things cannot display. 17:17. (b)How did Joseph show loving-kindness to his father? 7:9. 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. Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. 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. JEHOVAH GODS Word exhorts us to love loving-kindness. (Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 10 How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. Helping the brothers is a great source of joy and satisfaction to me! Caring elders everywhere wholeheartedly agree. For example, the psalmist called the moon a faithful witness in the skies because of its regular nightly appearance. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH ABOUT SHOWING LOYAL LOVE? 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. 16 Be persistent. ; 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. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? 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. 5. Therefore, it was human kindness. What benefits come to those who show loyal love? 9. . has not failed in his loyal love. What might have contributed to Naomis changed attitude? 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. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.Read Isaiah 32:1,2. 20 Throughout history, Jehovah has shown remarkable loyalty toward faithful humans. What do we learn from Ruths example? On the contrary, loyalty, or loyal love, has the stability and strength to overcome the most daunting of obstacles. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. 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. (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? 7:9. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. As described at Isaiah 32:1, 2, what will caring elders provide? 3 Was there no one who remained loyal to David? Despite being banned and persecuted, however, Gods loyal ones kept on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (1John 3:17,18) If you are, be assured that your loving-kindness is deeply appreciated. Would you like to read this article in %%? Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? In the opening verse, we read: "Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever." ( Ps. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. Indeed, God's loyal ones "make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship." By means of the ransomthe greatest demonstration of Jehovahs loyalty. 5:14. 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. 20 Give timely encouragement. Moreover, these accounts illustrate how we may exercise loving-kindness today. Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. Why do we need to draw closer to Jehovah? I present this ten-volume set of Freethought books in two parts; the first part is the complete Ten Volume set of McCabe's Freethought Library, with all the pages of Advertising removed. 11,12. 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. 4 One example of human kindness relates to a group of shipwrecked people, including the apostle Paul. Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. How does Psalm 145 help to identify Gods loyal ones? Whatever trial befalls them, however, Jehovah is always ready to give comfort and spiritual strength to each one of them. 6 To identify some additional characteristics of loving-kindness, we will briefly consider three Bible accounts that feature this quality. What must have been painful for Ruth? Jehovah God. 4,5. What was the result? We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. 3 Normal human kindness and loving-kindness differ in various ways. Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another, Publication download options No, indeed, for Psalm 145 says: Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. Jehovah is guarding all those loving him, but all the wicked ones he will annihilate.Psalm 145:18-20. 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.