What does it mean to be approachable and impartial? 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. In the following article, we will discuss how we as God's servants can imitate Jehovah by showing loyal love to one another. 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. Obadiah1-4, 10-16 How did Jehovahs loyalty to his people move him to punish the Edomites for their disloyal conduct? 2. They did so not only with kind words but with specific actions. . Who would be in a better position to make sure that his wish would be carried out than his influential son, Joseph? 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 that same year, the November1 issue of The Watchtower contained an article entitled Neutrality. As a result of the clear information presented, Jehovahs Witnesses around the world saw the need to maintain strict neutrality in the affairs of the warring nations. Through them, Jehovah has indeed provided spiritual food in abundance. As you read those verses, you cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which Jehovah demonstrated loyal love toward his people. Loyal love is motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. 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. Earlier, she had cried out in pain: Jehovah . 22 To continue benefiting from our close relationship with Jehovah God, it is also vital that we keep on resisting such spiritually detrimental things as materialism, unwholesome entertainment, an unforgiving spirit, or indifference toward needy ones. They express loving-kindness toward Christs sheep because they ought to and want to do this. 6. (Psalm 104:14) However, Jehovah sees to it that all their needs are satisfied. 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. For example, think of those who provide enduring emotional support to infirm, depressed, or grief-stricken fellow believers. 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. When he foretells something, it comes to pass. 3 Normal human kindness and loving-kindness differ in various ways. If it were not for earths abundant vegetation of the land and plants of the sea, aquatic creatures, birds, and land animals would have no oxygen to breathe or food to eat. 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? (a)What motivates someone to show loyal love? How did Bethuel, Joseph, and Ruth exercise their loving-kindness? Later, however, she began to despise him in her heart, even considering David to be just as an empty-headed man.1Samuel 18:20; 2Samuel 6:16,20. Would you like to read this article in %%? 14. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. 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. 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. Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is abundant in loyal love.Ex. Anna, aged 82 and plagued by arthritis, speaks for many others when she says: Being driven to all meetings is a blessing from Jehovah. 13 We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. 7-8. 24 What have we learned from the book of Ruth about loyal love? 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. will not return to me without results, but it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, and it will have sure success in what I send it to do. (Isaiah 55:11) By remaining faithful to his word, Jehovah shows loyalty to his people. Since 2001, the literature produced by the Watch Tower Society is said to have been "published by Jehovah's Witnesses". In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. (Dan. 15. What must have been painful for Ruth? (a)How does Jehovah show loyalty to a great crowd who have the prospect of coming out of the great tribulation? The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society produces religious literature primarily for use by Jehovah's Witnesses.The organization's international writing, artwork, translation, and printery workforce are all baptized Jehovah's Witnesses. WE HAVE good reasons to show loyal love to one another. Your kind attention to one of Jehovahs precious sheep does not go unnoticed by our God. Some suffer from chronic illness or because of bereavement. For Jehovah loves justice, and he will not abandon his loyal ones. (Psalm 37:25,28) True, as the Creator, Jehovah deserves our worship. The psalmist wrote: I was once young and now I am old, but I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for bread. 17:17. How do we benefit from showing loyal love? 9, 10. 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. 22 After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. Those who showed loyal love did so, not because they had to, but because their hearts impelled them. Jehovah helped them to understand that the primary issue, involving the whole universe, relates to Jehovahs rightful sovereignty. Jehovah demonstrates loyal love to his faithful servants. opposed me, but now she exclaimed with joy: Jehovah . The ACLU works through litigation and lobbying and has over 1,800,000 members as of July 2018, with an annual budget of over $300 million. 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. . He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere. Jehovah thus stated: My word that goes out of my mouth . They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. When we observe how those in need regain their spiritual strength, we feel deep joy. (Genesis 50:4,5) Ruth was persistent about going with [Naomi]. (Ruth 1:18) When Naomi suggested that Ruth approach Boaz, loving-kindness moved the Moabitess to declare: All that you say to me I shall do.Ruth 3:1-5. How does loyal love compare with loyalty? Indeed, Gods loyal ones make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship. (Psalm 145:12) Do you seek and take full advantage of opportunities to speak to strangers about Jehovahs kingship? 22-23. Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.ZECH. While there, Naomis husband died. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her? What characteristic of loving-kindness is further highlighted by the three Bible accounts we have considered? Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed? (b)Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth? (Proverbs 12:25) Or consider the many Witnesses of Jehovah who faithfully drive the elderly to the Kingdom Hall to attend weekly congregation meetings. The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.Psalm 72:12-14. What will help us not to give up easily? Is he not Gods chief loyal one? What a marvelous blessing the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has been! Who deserves the credit for all of this? He longs to see these departed faithful ones again, and the Bible confirms that his purpose is to reward them with a resurrection. 11,12. What was Bethuels reaction to matters involving Rebekah? 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. (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. What happened? 7-8. Loyal love moves us not to give up easily on brothers and sisters who are in distress. . Let us consider a few. 12. 23 Naomi finally began to see Jehovahs hand in her life. .in love, and his love was as pervading and absorbing as the fragrance of a flower, or the light of a star. 3. So, too, if we take genuine delight in Gods Word, our lives will be long, peaceful, and fruitful. 4. What lesson does this account contain? Draw Close to Jehovah, Audio download options 9 Abrahams grandson Jacob also received loving-kindness. They make personal sacrifices, giving even beyond their means in order to help their less fortunate brothers. What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister? Since God is lovehe being the very personification of this qualitywho could display loyalty more completely than Jehovah? Consider Michal, Davids first wife. Esther 3:7-9; 4:65:1 How did Esther demonstrate godly loyalty toward her people, even at the risk of her life? What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph12). 12,13. 7 The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph6 and loyal love is a persons motive. When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, she stopped trying to convince her.Ruth 1:15-18. 17:17. (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. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.Prov. ; 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. (a)How does Psalm 145 help us to identify Jehovahs loyal ones? 20. Who are the vessels of mercy, and how does Jehovah show loyalty to them? (b)According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God? What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed? ( Psalm 31:16) Jehovah, the powerful one, is asked to show loving-kindness, or loyal love, to the needy one, David. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. A sister in need of assistance may at first refuse our help. 3, 4. . 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! (b)How did Joseph show loving-kindness to his father? ^ par. 1-2. (Jeremiah 31:3) Do you not feel closer to Jehovah for the deep loyalty he has shown and will yet show? They were washed ashore on the island of Malta. (Dan. In the Bible, expressions of loving-kindness between humans may be based on already existing relationships. What was the result? For example, those showing human kindness often do so without having a deep and personal involvement, or relationship, with the individuals they treat kindly. Absaloms revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life.2Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17. 12, 13. Moreover, their striking record of integrity during that war continues to help people to identify the true religion.Isaiah 2:2-4. Neither Abraham, Jacob, nor Naomi could fill those needs without help. 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!Read Hebrews 13:16. (a)How is Jehovahs punishment of the wicked in itself an act of loyalty? 14 It is heartwarming to see how Gods servants today continue to express loving-kindness by actions. . 5-6. Ruth, however, went beyond that. (2Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined in an organized rebellion against David. The word loyalty may refer to what kind of relationship? 23 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. 11. 17. Let us consider a few. 15-16. Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.Read Isaiah 32:1,2. 15 We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. 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. 6 Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. What do we learn from Ruths example? 10 In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty to his servants by remaining true to his standards. THE WATCHTOWERSTUDY EDITION November2021, Audio download options 18. . 10 How did Jehovah react to Naomis bitter words? For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. For years, he expressed annoyance at her for being one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Loyally, Jehovah keeps such ones very much alive in his memory. God is love.. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. But Ruth stuck with her. (Ruth 1:7-14) By choosing to return, Orpah was following Naomis instructions, doing what was expected. What was the result? . How do we know that Jehovah takes note when his loyal ones speak well of him? Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) Jehovahs loyalty draws those who, in their hearts, hunger for righteousness. (Psalm 110:3; 1Thessalonians 5:12) Such elders, or overseers, feel a responsibility to live up to the trust conferred upon them by reason of their appointment. (Ruth 1:8) Ruth was also free to marry one of the young fellows instead of aged Boaz. 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! Why can it be said that King David was no stranger to disloyalty? We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. 11 Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. . His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathans father wanted to kill David. In fact, for thousands of years, Jehovah has tolerated with much patience vessels of wrath made fit for destruction. Why? great in loving-kindness [or, loyal love].Psalm 145:8. At first refuse our help us to stick with someone who is distressed give the brothers and sisters the they. 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