What lesson does this account contain? 5 By comparison, consider the hospitality that King David showed to Mephibosheth, the son of his friend Jonathan. Since the needy have no authority over the powerful, the loving-kindness shown in such a case is displayed willingly, not under compulsion. 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. And they courageously declare Jehovahs name in their public ministry.Romans 10:10, 13-15. 9. For one thing, "a man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul." ( Proverbs 11:17) How true! Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. (b)What does Jehovahs loyalty move you to do? I will not look down angrily on you, for I am loyal. (Jeremiah 3:12) As noted in Chapter25, however, most of the Israelites were not moved. Who? How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? 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! ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 9 In the book of Ruth, we read the story of Naomi, her daughter-in-law Ruth, and a God-fearing man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomis husband. 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. 22. How can it be said that Jehovah alone is loyal? Next mwb22 January p. 6 EPUB How does he do so? 21 Now more than ever before is the time for those who fear Jehovah to call upon him in trueness. His loyal ones delight to use his name in their prayers and in the comments they make at their meetings. Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another, Publication download options David wrote: Jehovah is giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down.Psalm 145:14. Yet, she stuck with Naomi. 9 If we are dedicated Christians, our relationship with the Sovereign Lord Jehovah brings us many benefits. Examining Jehovah Gods example will help us to display those qualities. They did so not only with kind words but with specific actions. PRIVACY POLICY Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. 33:22. 7, 8. 22-23. Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovahs reminder: Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.Zech. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. How do two Bible examples cited here illustrate the difference between human kindness and loving-kindness? Would you like to read this article in %%? What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on? How well does Jehovah provide for the needs of every living thing? What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. (b)How did Joseph show loving-kindness to his father? (Ps. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. 17 What do we learn from this? 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. YLT Numbers 14:1 And all the company lifteth up and give forth their voice, and the people weep during that night; 3. The psalmist tells us: He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; he rescues them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 97:10) Consider his dealings with the nation of Israel. By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). But Ruth did not give up. 13 Did you notice how Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth expressed their loving-kindness? How satisfying it is to know that by their loyalty each Witness of Jehovah had a small part in the vindication of Jehovahs sovereignty and in proving the Devil to be a liar! (Ge 24 Verses33-47) He stressed that he viewed the success he thus far had met with as a sign from Jehovah, who had led me in the true way to take the daughter of the brother of my master for his son. (Ge 24 Verse48) The servant no doubt hoped that his heartfelt recounting of the incident would convince Bethuel and his son Laban that Jehovah was behind this mission. 19 Note that in the midst of delivering that message of judgment, the angel refers to Jehovah as the loyal One. Why? (Jeremiah 31:3) Do you not feel closer to Jehovah for the deep loyalty he has shown and will yet show? 2 Then there was Davids personal adviser, Ahithophel. 10 In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty to his servants by remaining true to his standards. (Joshua 2:1, 12-14; 1Samuel 15:6; 2Samuel 10:1,2) To illustrate this difference, let us compare two Bible examples, one of kindness and one of loving-kindness expressed between humans. (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? (b)In what way was the last instance of Ruths loving-kindness better than the first? 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 . You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:15,16) Even in times of calamity, Jehovah can maneuver matters so that his loyal ones get bread for the day.Luke 11:3; 12:29,30. 20 Give timely encouragement. In contrast, loyalty is rooted in love. How can we imitate the examples of Boaz and Ruth in showing loyal love to others? (Mark 10:29,30). As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on? 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. 10. 20 Give timely encouragement. (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. Loyal love moves us not to give up easily on brothers and sisters who are in distress. A sister in need of assistance may at first refuse our help.c Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. . 17. Jehovahs reputation is so impeccable in this regard that his servant Joshua was able to say: Not a promise failed out of all the good promises that Jehovah had made to the house of Israel; all of them came true. (Joshua 21:45) We can be confident, then, that we will never be led to disappointment because of some failure on Jehovahs part to live up to his promises.Isaiah 49:23; Romans 5:5. 21. 7 Since 1914, there has been added reason to speak about Jehovahs kingship. How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Share 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. 13. 15-16. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. (Psalm 71:5; 116:12) Because we fear God and practice righteousness, for instance, we enjoy his approval and are spiritually close to him. To deepen our understanding of loyal love, let us see how it compares with loyalty, as that term is commonly used. Such love is denoted by a Hebrew word translated loving-kindness, or loyal love. King David of ancient Israel deeply appreciated Gods loving-kindness. Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? TERMS OF USE 5 In its Scriptural sense, loyalty is warm. 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. How will the words of Psalm 145:18-20 prove true in the near future? KING DAVID was no stranger to disloyalty. 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. 3 In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. 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. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. No, indeed, for Psalm 145 says: Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. 14. 17:17. Esther 3:7-9; 4:65:1 How did Esther demonstrate godly loyalty toward her people, even at the risk of her life? you must exercise loving-kindness and trustworthiness toward me. As Moses was told, Jehovah will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.Exodus 34:6,7. 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. 7-8. 1,2. . Because of Jehovahs loyalty, all his faithful servants have a reliable hope for the future. Unlike human governments, which will soon pass away, his kingship is eternal. 18 Do not take it personally. While there, Naomis husband died. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. | Draw Close to Jehovah, Appreciate Jehovahs Qualities to the Full. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? How did Naomis attitude change, and why? 9 Jehovah is loyal in all that he does. (Psalm 145:17) In what way? 23. What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? 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. 1-2. * Still, loyal love will move us to do our best to stick with her. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. 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. What activity helps us to identify Gods loyal ones? 14 It is heartwarming to see how Gods servants today continue to express loving-kindness by actions. For example, those showing human kindness often do so without having a deep and personal involvement, or relationship, with the individuals they treat kindly. 19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful waydespite all our efforts to help her. 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. But Ruth did not give up. 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! The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? Because of his personal experience and his meditation on Gods dealings with others, David could confidently sing: Jehovah is . 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. 7. How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, she stopped trying to convince her.Ruth 1:15-18. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? 19. Indeed, God's loyal ones "make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship." 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelingsa deep and enduring attachmentfor our spiritual brothers and sisters.Read Mark 10:29,30. I was a strapping young gossoon at that time, I tell you. That scheming opportunist kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel, setting himself up as a rival king. Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant. . God's loyal love prompts you to forgive. How did Ruth show her persistence? For example, the psalmist called the moon a faithful witness in the skies because of its regular nightly appearance. (Psalm 34:6) Jehovahs loyal love for his servants does not waver as long as they remain loyal to him. 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. ( Jas. WHAT BENEFITS COME TO THOSE WHO SHOW LOYAL LOVE. b To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters1 and2. c Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. 8 First of all, remember that loyalty is a facet of love. How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? 3 Regarding Jehovah God, the prophet Samuels mother, Hannah, said: The feet of his loyal ones he guards. (1Samuel 2:9) Who are such loyal ones? 2 Moreover, the Scriptures tell us: He that is pursuing righteousness and loving-kindness will find life. (Proverbs 21:21) Yes, our pursuing loving-kindness will endear us to God and will put us in line for future blessings, including life everlasting. Would you like to read this article in %%? That Jehovahs loyalty is neither blind nor gullible. (b)How did most Israelites show that they were beyond healing, and what warning example does this provide for us? 20. Who are the vessels of mercy, and how does Jehovah show loyalty to them? (a)Jacob asked his son Joseph to do what for him? 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. Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. 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. (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? Since God is lovehe being the very personification of this qualitywho could display loyalty more completely than Jehovah? The apostle Paul acknowledged this and expressed his appreciation when . 10. Why do we need to draw closer to Jehovah? ; 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. ( Ps 63:3) We too should show loyal love to others. . . She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. Yet, in all his years with the company, he may never have met any of the directors. 11. 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. 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. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? ( Psalm 31:16) Jehovah, the powerful one, is asked to show loving-kindness, or loyal love, to the needy one, David. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? 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. NIV Numbers 14:1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options Truly, in the righteous new world that Jehovah will bring, obedient mankind will experience his loyal love forever.Revelation 21:3,4. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. (Psalm 136:23,26). GOD is love. (1John 4:8) That heartwarming phrase proves that Jehovahs way of ruling is based on love. By means of the ransomthe greatest demonstration of Jehovahs loyalty. 15. 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. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . When someone in the congregation falls on hard times, they do not hesitate to reach out to that person and help in practical ways. 19 A crucial stage in settling the issue of Jehovahs sovereignty is drawing near. | Ruths loyal love was a blessing to Naomi, Human loving-kindness is extended willingly, is shown by specific action, and is displayed to those in need, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2002, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2010. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. 6. 1. 4 Jehovahs loyal ones can be identified as those who use their mouths to speak well of him. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. (a)What is loyalty? Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. (Gal. 21. (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. Until you grow old I will be the same, he stated through his prophet Isaiah. He longs to see these departed faithful ones again, and the Bible confirms that his purpose is to reward them with a resurrection. a Jehovah wants us to show loyal love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in Gods eyes. How is Jehovah loyal in all that he does? 4. As discussed in Chapter26, Jehovah does not bring up errors of the past for which a person has been pardoned. Person has been added reason to speak about Jehovahs kingship living and the people weep during that night ;.... 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