How can we imitate the examples of Boaz and Ruth in showing loyal love to others? 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. Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . 3. Loyally, Jehovah keeps such ones very much alive in his memory. For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. It is believed to come from the verb meaning "to be" or "to exist" and is likely the oldest Divine Name in human history. Those who showed loyal love did so, not because they had to, but because their hearts impelled them. Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.Psalm 72:12-14. (Matthew 5:3) How wonderfully Jehovah satisfies the spiritual needs of his loyal ones! 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. 11. For one thing, Jehovahs forgiveness of sins is permanent. How do two Bible examples cited here illustrate the difference between human kindness and loving-kindness? Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. In the following article, we will discuss how we as God's servants can imitate Jehovah by showing loyal love to one another. . 1-2. Loyal love moves us not to give up easily on brothers and sisters who are in distress. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) Jehovahs loyalty draws those who, in their hearts, hunger for righteousness. What help did God provide? His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathans father wanted to kill David. 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. 9. (Ps. 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. WHAT BENEFITS COME TO THOSE WHO SHOW LOYAL LOVE. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. 14. Consider some examples. 14. 1-2. 1,2. (b)According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God? (b)How do Gods loyal ones bless him? 7 Genesis 24:28-67 relates the rest of the story of Abrahams servant, mentioned in the preceding article. 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. 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? 4 One example of human kindness relates to a group of shipwrecked people, including the apostle Paul. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6,7. What help did God provide? PRIVACY POLICY 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. What does it mean to be approachable and impartial? . Psalm 136 provides an answer. (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovahs reminder: Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.Zech. He did not turn against his distraught servant. Your kind attention to one of Jehovahs precious sheep does not go unnoticed by our God. Ruth would now be able to provide an heir for Naomi, who was beyond the age of childbearing. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation?b. 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. How can we apply these lessons in our congregation? 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. Despite being banned and persecuted, however, Gods loyal ones kept on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. 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. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. In the opening verse, we read: "Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever." ( Ps. (1Timothy 1:17) It is urgent that people learn about Jehovahs everlasting kingship and take their stand as its supporters. Loyal love is motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. 10 In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty to his servants by remaining true to his standards. 21. . Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? Yes, Jehovah displays loyalty to his faithful servants by hearing their cries for help and by taking action at the appointed time. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. KJV Numbers 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. In what ways does Jehovahs loyal love endure forever? While there, Naomis husband died. . 2 These proverbs mention three reasons why we should show loyal love. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. ^ par. Would you like to read this article in %%? 3 Normal human kindness and loving-kindness differ in various ways. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? (2Cor. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. 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. Because by destroying the wicked, Jehovah is displaying loyalty to his servants, many of whom have been persecuted to the point of death. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. They felt a moral responsibility to display this quality toward those with whom they had a relationship, even as King David later felt obliged to manifest it with regard to Mephibosheth. 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. Who? Yet, she stuck with Naomi. (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. 18. (Gal. (a)How does Psalm 145 help us to identify Jehovahs loyal ones? Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . See more of Weekly Watchtower Study Articles. Jehovah is . 9,10. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another? To deepen our understanding of loyal love, let us see how it compares with loyalty, as that term is commonly used. (Ruth 1:16,17) Ruth chose to stick with Naomi, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. 24 What have we learned from the book of Ruth about loyal love? She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. 18 Do not take it personally. 12:25, ftn. The blessings that Jehovah loyally extends to his faithful servants are everlasting. Since God is lovehe being the very personification of this qualitywho could display loyalty more completely than Jehovah? 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. 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. How do we know that Jehovah takes note when his loyal ones speak well of him? 5. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. Psalm 136:1-26 What does this psalm teach us about Jehovahs loyal love? 14. 20. In this article, we will consider what we can learn from the examples of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. What do we learn from Ruths example? Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. 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. To whom should we show loyal love? What makes the loving-kindness of Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth especially meaningful, and what moved them to display this quality? Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. 14, 15. All too often, close companions are ready to crush one another. Increasingly, we hear of spouses who abandon their mates. 15-16. 5 In its Scriptural sense, loyalty is warm. 13 Did you notice how Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth expressed their loving-kindness? Therefore, it was human kindness. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102002053/univ/art/1102002053_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/cl/E/wpub/cl_E_lg.jpg, Share 19. After extolling Jehovahs marvelous qualities, he states: Your loyal ones will bless you. (Psalm 145:10) You may wonder how humans can bless God. ; 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. Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant. One of the groups Hitler sent to the concentration camps were Jehovah's Witnesses, where they unjustly endured unspeakable atrocities and lose of life. How does he do so? What was the result? Examining Jehovah Gods example will help us to display those qualities. In this way, Jehovah draws close to us, letting us know him. Ruth, however, went beyond that. 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? What special aspect of love does Jehovah show for those who are in a dedicated relationship with him? 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. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. And everything he does will succeed. (Psalm 1:3) Imagine a luxuriant tree whose foliage never withers! (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? What must have been painful for Ruth? (a)Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? 2 Jehovah shows love for his true worshipers in a precious, lasting way. How did Ruth show her persistence? Whatever trial befalls them, however, Jehovah is always ready to give comfort and spiritual strength to each one of them. 11 Jehovah also shows loyalty by remaining faithful to his word of promise. Consider an example. What lesson does this account contain? 2 Jehovah shows love for his true worshipers in a precious, lasting way. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. 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. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. 5 You will surely agree that the better we understand the meaning of loyal love, the better we will be able to show it to our fellow worshippers. 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. 15. What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? (John 21:15-17) I love to make visits at the homes of brothers or call them for no other reason than to show I was thinking of them, says one Christian elder. 8 Jehovah had already shown loving-kindness to Abraham. 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