How is spiritual food being provided today? 19. 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. (Please, do not bury me in Egypt.) In this way, Jehovah draws close to us, letting us know him. 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. (Genesis 20:13; 2Samuel 3:8; 16:17) Or they may be founded on relationships resulting from prior acts of kindness. (Proverbs 27:11) Unlike Satan, who slanders Jehovah and his way of ruling, Jehovahs loyal ones continue to declare publicly: Jehovah is righteous in all his ways.Psalm 145:17. When he foretells something, it comes to pass. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. 16, 17. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1920 "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States". 15 The Bible narratives that we have considered also show that loving-kindness is extended freely and willingly, not under compulsion. 18. In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. Ruth would now be able to provide an heir for Naomi, who was beyond the age of childbearing. But what happens when a wrongdoer proves to be incorrigibly wicked? 13 David mentioned that every living thing gets satisfied. But we try not to take it personally. (Psalm 136:23,26). . 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain "for his loyal love endures forever." 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. What special aspect of love does Jehovah show for those who are in a dedicated relationship with him? While there, Naomis husband died. How did Ruth differ from Orpah, and why was Ruths decision an act of loyal love? What do we learn from Ruths example? He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. 1-2. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. This phrase is a translation of the Hebrew word khesed. God's loyal love is enduring. 5. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God's eyes. Jehovah thus fulfilled his promise that Davids kingship would be firmly established to time indefinite.2Samuel 7:12,13; Luke 1:32,33. And Jehovah moved Boaz to encourage her. Indeed, God's loyal ones "make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship." 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. For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. 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. 24 What have we learned from the book of Ruth about loyal love? Pr 21:21. (b)In what way was the last instance of Ruths loving-kindness better than the first? | How painful that must have been for Ruth! . He longs to see these departed faithful ones again, and the Bible confirms that his purpose is to reward them with a resurrection. (a)How does Jehovah show loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation? (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? What questions will we consider in this article? 5:14. Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. Give examples to show that Jehovah is faithful to his word of promise. Yet, she stuck with Naomi. ^ par. Ruth, however, went beyond that. (Psalm 71:5; 116:12) Because we fear God and practice righteousness, for instance, we enjoy his approval and are spiritually close to him. Indeed, they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God, and they despised his words and mocked his prophets. With what result? . 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! The moon is called a faithful witness, but only intelligent living creatures can truly reflect Jehovahs loyalty. (Psalm 89:37) But the moon cannot be described as being loyal. For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. 17 The spiritual food that Jehovah provides is not only timely but also richly satisfying. By doing so, we have the wonderful prospect of being included among those who will exalt, bless, and praise Jehovah all day long and even forever. (Psalm 145:1,2) May we therefore keep ourselves in Gods love with everlasting life in view. (Jude20,21) As we continue to benefit from our heavenly Fathers marvelous qualities, including the great loving-kindness he displays toward those who love him, may our sentiments always be like those expressed by David in the final words of Psalm 145: The praise of Jehovah my mouth will speak; and let all flesh bless his holy name to time indefinite, even forever.. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. 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. 20,21. Who are in need of our expressions of loving-kindness, and what should each of us be determined to do? All this spiritual food has been a blessing to true worshipers around the earth. But Ruth stuck with her. (Ruth 1:7-14) By choosing to return, Orpah was following Naomis instructions, doing what was expected. 14, 15. . Would you like to read this article in %%? (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. 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. (Gal. See more of Weekly Watchtower Study Articles. The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.Psalm 72:12-14. We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. Some suffer from chronic illness or because of bereavement. (Dan. Is he not Gods chief loyal one? 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!Read Hebrews 13:16. 17. What will help us not to give up easily? What lesson does this account contain? Moses therefore told the Israelites: It was not because you were the most numerous of all the peoples that Jehovah showed affection for you and chose you, for you were the smallest of all the peoples. 9 If we are dedicated Christians, our relationship with the Sovereign Lord Jehovah brings us many benefits. 9 Abrahams grandson Jacob also received loving-kindness. . 4. (Mark 10:29,30). (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. (Matthew 5:44,45) Because of Gods love for the world of mankind, even his enemies can repent, turn to him, and attain to life. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? It is simply because we want to forget that such situations exist. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses? For one thing, "a man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul." ( Proverbs 11:17) How true! Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, each of us should be grateful that Jehovahs loyal love endures forever.Romans 3:23. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. Or would the servants long journey have been in vain? While there, Naomis husband died. | 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? Continue Showing Loyal Love to One Another, Publication download options In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). Loyal love! 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. You Alone Are Loyal, Publication download options Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. Esther 3:7-9; 4:65:1 How did Esther demonstrate godly loyalty toward her people, even at the risk of her life? 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. 22. ^ par. Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.Read Isaiah 32:1,2. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. Jehovah is the supreme example of loyal love. 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. Why can it be said that King David was no stranger to disloyalty? Such love is denoted by a Hebrew word translated loving-kindness, or loyal love. King David of ancient Israel deeply appreciated Gods loving-kindness. What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? How do we benefit from showing loyal love? In what ways does Jehovahs loyal love endure forever? What help did God provide? PRIVACY POLICY 15. 3, 4. 14. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. For example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. . For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. He could easily have told Abrahams servant: No, I want to keep my industrious girl close by. (Genesis 24:18-20) Likewise, Joseph was free to decide whether to act on his fathers request or not, for Jacob would be dead and could not compel him to keep his word. When Naomi learned that Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food, she decided to return to her home. (Ruth 1:16,17) Ruth chose to stick with Naomi, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. What makes the loving-kindness of Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth especially meaningful, and what moved them to display this quality? 4,5. 14 Jehovah has time and again demonstrated his loyalty. 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