(See cover picture.). We created it after a fight of 25 years. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) Jehovahs loyalty draws those who, in their hearts, hunger for righteousness. (Psalm 89:37) But the moon cannot be described as being loyal. What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? 15 In his loyal love, Jehovah repeatedly comes to the aid of his people when they are in distress. 10 How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? (Ruth 1:16,17) Ruth chose to stick with Naomi, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. It must have been very comforting to Abrahams servant to hear Laban and Bethuel say: From Jehovah this thing has issued. (Ge 24 Verse50) They recognized Jehovahs hand in matters and unhesitatingly accepted his decision. 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. 21. We read: Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. Have not both humans and angels at times displayed remarkable loyalty? Instead, through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah implored his people: Return, Orenegade Israel . Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. 7:9. 7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. 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. But we try not to take it personally. 18. 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 a prophecy relating to true worship in our day, Malachi wrote: At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. How did Naomis attitude change, and why? 15-16. (b)What is the best way to learn what loyalty entails, and why? Soon the end will come for all opposers of Jehovahs Kingdom.Revelation 11:15,18. 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. How does Jehovah show appreciation for the loyalty of his servants? After all, Bethuel was under no legal obligation to part with his daughter. | ^ par. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. Why, it is Jehovahs Kingdom! *. What help did God provide? (2Cor. His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. 18 Loving-kindness is still a mark of Gods people, including the men who shepherd Gods flock. Yet, in all his years with the company, he may never have met any of the directors. Esther 3:7-9; 4:65:1 How did Esther demonstrate godly loyalty toward her people, even at the risk of her life? Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options . 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. . In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among Gods people? Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. 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. ^ par. 5. (a)How do Gods present-day servants show loving-kindness by actions? Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. ^ par. 17. Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. In this article, we will consider what we can learn from the examples of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. 14. When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, she stopped trying to convince her.Ruth 1:15-18. He has been with me this whole time! (Read Psalm 136:23,26.) 11,12. 8 We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. Similarly today, loving-kindness should especially be shown to those in need. (See paragraphs20-21). 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. 7:9. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. Moreover, their striking record of integrity during that war continues to help people to identify the true religion.Isaiah 2:2-4. | 2 These proverbs mention three reasons why we should show loyal love. (1John 2:15-17; 3:15-17) If not corrected, such pursuits and traits can result in the practice of serious sin and the eventual loss of Jehovahs approval. (b)In what way was the last instance of Ruths loving-kindness better than the first? (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. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? 14, 15. 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. See more of Weekly Watchtower Study Articles. 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. Helping the brothers is a great source of joy and satisfaction to me! Caring elders everywhere wholeheartedly agree. Ruth tells Naomi: Where you go I will go (See paragraph13), 13. Truly, in the righteous new world that Jehovah will bring, obedient mankind will experience his loyal love forever.Revelation 21:3,4. What must have been painful for Ruth? 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. 17 Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. 17 Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth showed loving-kindness willingly; they were moved to do so from within. JEHOVAH GOD'S Word exhorts us to love "loving-kindness." ( Micah 6:8, footnote) It also gives us reasons why we should do so. 16,17. 22-23. 9, 10. Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite, sang David, and your dominion is throughout all successive generations.Psalm 145:13. Ruth would now be able to provide an heir for Naomi, who was beyond the age of childbearing. Consider Michal, Davids first wife. What lesson does this account contain? How can it be said that Jehovah alone is loyal? Ruths decision was an act of true loyal love. 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? How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! The most outstanding feature of that sign is the work Jesus foretold for all of Gods loyal ones when he said: This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:3-14) Because Gods loyal ones are zealously fulfilling that prophecy, over six million men, women, and children are now sharing in this grand, never-to-be-repeated work. (Gal. When Naomi learned that Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food, she decided to return to her home. . 16,17. What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? 20:9, 14, 15; 2Sam. But Ruth did not give up. 9:4) We want to be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Eph. The Jew, who sinned against the light of his revelation, will have a severer retribution than the Gentile who only sinned against the light of his own conscience; and the nations of Christendom who have rejected the gospel will incur a darker doom than the native . 14 Jehovah has time and again demonstrated his loyalty. He did not turn against his distraught servant. In social settings and at Christian meetings, what is a common theme of their discussions? 6. 16 Be persistent. 12. God is love.. 103:8-11). Neither Abraham, Jacob, nor Naomi could fill those needs without help. 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 Years after Jonathans death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathans son Mephibosheth.1Sam. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. 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. Through them, Jehovah has indeed provided spiritual food in abundance. 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. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? True, Jehovah is abundant in loyal love, and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. Moreover, millions of Bible study aids continue to be published in over 300 languages. 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. Anna, aged 82 and plagued by arthritis, speaks for many others when she says: Being driven to all meetings is a blessing from Jehovah. (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. From 1939 to 1946, they were blessed with an amazing increase of 157percent. But how can we show loving-kindness? For one thing, Jehovahs forgiveness of sins is permanent. In what ways does Jehovahs loyal love endure forever? 19 A crucial stage in settling the issue of Jehovahs sovereignty is drawing near. 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