1. What encouragement does Jehovah give us?

JEHOVAH takes delight in loyal love. (Hos. 6:6) He warmly encourages his servants to do the same. By means of the prophet Micah, our God urges us “to love loyal love.” (Mic. 6:8, ftn.) Obviously, before we can do that, we need to know what loyal love is.

2. What are some characteristics of loyal love?

² What is loyal love? The expression “loyal love” occurs some 230 times in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. What is it? According to the “Glossary of Bible Terms” found in that translation, it refers to “love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. It is often used in connection with God’s love for humans, but it is also love shown between humans.” Jehovah is the supreme example of loyal love. In this article, we will discuss how Jehovah shows loyal love to humans. In the following article, we will discuss how we as God’s servants can imitate Jehovah by showing loyal love to one another.

JEHOVAH IS “ABUNDANT IN LOYAL LOVE”

3. How did Jehovah reveal himself to Moses?

³ Not long after Israel’s Exodus from Egypt, Jehovah revealed himself to Moses by declaring His name and qualities. He said: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth, showing loyal love to thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin.” (Ex. 34:6, 7) With this heartwarming statement about His qualities, Jehovah revealed to Moses a unique characteristic of His loyal love. What is it?

4-5. (a) How did Jehovah describe himself? (b) What questions will we consider?

⁴ Jehovah described himself not merely as having loyal love but as being “abundant in loyal love.” That description is mentioned six more times in the Bible. (Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:15; 103:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2) In all instances, that description refers only to Jehovah, never to humans. Is it not remarkable that Jehovah himself so strongly emphasized his quality of loyal love? No doubt, loyal love is important to him.b No wonder King David was moved to exclaim: “O Jehovah, your loyal love reaches to the heavens . . . How precious your loyal love is, O God! In the shadow of your wings, the sons of men take refuge.” (Ps. 36:5, 7) Like David, do we deeply appreciate God’s loyal love?

⁵ To deepen our understanding of loyal love, let us consider two questions: To whom does Jehovah show loyal love? And how can we benefit from Jehovah’s acts of loyal love?

TO WHOM DOES JEHOVAH SHOW LOYAL LOVE?

6. Jehovah shows loyal love to whom?

⁶ To whom does Jehovah show loyal love? The Bible mentions that we can love many things, such as “agriculture,” “wine and oil,” “discipline,” “knowledge,” “wisdom”​—to name a few. (2 Chron. 26:10; Prov. 12:1; 21:17; 29:3) Loyal love, however, is never extended to things or concepts; it is shown only to people. But Jehovah does not show loyal love to just anyone. He shows it to those who are in a special relationship with him. Our God is loyal to his friends. He has a wonderful purpose for them, and he will not give up on them.

7. How has Jehovah shown love to mankind in general?

⁷ Jehovah has shown love to mankind in general. Jesus told a man named Nicodemus: “God loved the world [of mankind] so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”​—John 3:1, 16; Matt. 5:44, 45.

8-9. (a) Why does Jehovah show loyal love to his servants? (b) What will we consider next?

⁸ As mentioned earlier, Jehovah shows his loyal love only to those who have an approved relationship with him​—his servants. This is evident from statements made by King David and by the prophet Daniel. For example, David said: “Continue showing your loyal love to those who know you.” “The loyal love of Jehovah is for all eternity toward those who fear him.” And Daniel declared: “O Jehovah the true God, [who] shows loyal love to those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Ps. 36:10; 103:17; Dan. 9:4) According to these inspired expressions, Jehovah shows loyal love to his servants because they know him, fear him, love him, and keep his commandments. Jehovah reserves his loyal love for his people, his true worshippers.

⁹ Before we began serving Jehovah, we received the love that God shows to mankind in general. (Ps. 104:14) However, as his worshippers, we also benefit from his loyal love. In fact, Jehovah assures his servants: “My loyal love will not be removed from you.” (Isa. 54:10) Indeed, as David himself experienced, “Jehovah will treat his loyal one in a special way.” (Ps. 4:3) How should we react to Jehovah’s special care for us? The psalmist noted: “Whoever is wise will observe these things and will carefully consider Jehovah’s acts of loyal love.” (Ps. 107:43) With that inspired advice in mind, let us consider three ways in which servants of Jehovah benefit from his acts of loyal love.

HOW CAN WE BENEFIT FROM JEHOVAH’S ACTS OF LOYAL LOVE?

10. How are we helped by God’s enduring loyal love? (Psalm 31:7)

¹⁰ God’s loyal love is enduring. This important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times in Psalm 136. In the opening verse, we read: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1) In verses 2 to 26, we find the refrain “for his loyal love endures forever.” As we read the remaining verses of this psalm, we cannot help but be impressed by the many ways in which Jehovah shows his loyal love without letup. The refrain “for his loyal love endures forever” assures us that God’s love for his people is not fickle. How heartening it is to know that Jehovah does not quickly give up on his servants! Instead, he attaches himself to those who serve him and he sticks with them, especially in times of distress. How we benefit: Knowing that Jehovah sticks with us gives us the joy and the strength we need to cope with our distresses and to keep walking on the path to life.​—Read Psalm 31:7.

11. According to Psalm 86:5, what moves Jehovah to be forgiving?

¹¹ God’s loyal love moves him to be forgiving. When Jehovah observes a sinner who is repentant and who rejects his sinful course, loyal love moves Him to be forgiving. The psalmist David stated about Jehovah: “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve.” (Ps. 103:8-11) David himself knew from painful experience how heavy the burden of a guilty conscience can be. But he also learned that Jehovah is “ready to forgive.” What moves Jehovah to be forgiving? The answer is recorded at Psalm 86:5. (Read.) Yes, as David said in prayer, Jehovah forgives because he abounds in loyal love for all those who call on him.

12-13. If we are weighed down with guilt over past mistakes, what will help us?

¹² When we sin, it is appropriate​—even healthy—​to feel remorse. It can move us to repent and take steps to correct our mistakes. Some servants of God, though, have become overwhelmed by guilt because of past mistakes. Their self-condemning heart convinces them that Jehovah could never forgive them​—no matter how repentant they are. If you deal with such feelings, learning about God’s willingness to extend loyal love to his servants will help you.

¹³ How we benefit: In spite of our imperfections, we can joyfully serve Jehovah with a clean conscience. This is possible because “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) When you are discouraged about some imperfection, call to mind that Jehovah is willing, yes, eager to forgive a repentant sinner. Note the connection that David made between loyal love and forgiveness. He wrote: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so great is his loyal love toward those who fear him. As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions.” (Ps. 103:11, 12) Indeed, Jehovah is willing to “forgive in a large way.”​—Isa. 55:7.

14. How did David describe the way God’s loyal love protects us?

¹⁴ God’s loyal love provides spiritual protection. In prayer to Jehovah, David stated: “You are a hiding place for me; you will safeguard me from distress. You will surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. . . . The one trusting in Jehovah is surrounded by His loyal love.” (Ps. 32:7, 10) Just as the walls surrounding an ancient city protected its citizens, so Jehovah’s acts of loyal love surround us, providing spiritual protection from dangers that could test our integrity. Further, Jehovah’s loyal love moves him to draw us to him.​—Jer. 31:3.

15. What connection is there between Jehovah’s loyal love and a refuge and a stronghold?

¹⁵ David used another word picture to describe the protection that God’s people enjoy. He wrote: “God is my secure refuge, the God who shows loyal love to me.” David also stated about Jehovah: “He is my loyal love and my stronghold, my secure refuge and my rescuer, my shield and the One in whom I have taken shelter.” (Ps. 59:17; 144:2) Why did David connect Jehovah’s loyal love with a refuge and a stronghold? No matter where we live on earth, as long as we are his servants, Jehovah will provide us with all the protection we need to safeguard our precious relationship with him. That same assurance is found in Psalm 91. The writer of that psalm declared: “I will say to Jehovah: ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold.’”(Ps. 91:1-3, 9, 14) Moses used a similar word picture about a refuge. (Ps. 90:1, ftn.) Moreover, toward the end of his life, Moses called attention to a heartwarming detail. He wrote: “God is a refuge from ancient times, his everlasting arms are beneath you.” (Deut. 33:27) What does the phrase “his everlasting arms are beneath you” tell us about Jehovah?

16. In what two ways are we blessed? (Psalm 136:23)

¹⁶ When Jehovah is our Refuge, we feel secure. Still, there may be days when we are down and struggle to get up. At such times, what will Jehovah do for us? (Read Psalm 136:23.) He will put his arms beneath us, gently lift us up, and help us to get back on our feet. (Ps. 28:9; 94:18) How we benefit: Knowing that we can always count on God’s support helps us to remember that we are blessed in two ways. First, we have a secure place of refuge no matter where we live. Second, our loving heavenly Father deeply cares for us.

WHY GOD’S LOYAL LOVE GIVES US CONFIDENCE

17. Because of God’s loyal love, what confidence can we have? (Psalm 33:18-22)

¹⁷ As we have considered, when facing a trial, we can be sure that Jehovah will act in our behalf by giving us the support we need to keep our integrity. (2 Cor. 4:7-9) The prophet Jeremiah stated: “It is because of Jehovah’s loyal love that we have not come to our finish, for his mercies never end.” (Lam. 3:22) We can have confidence that Jehovah’s loyal love will indeed rest on us because, as the psalmist assured us, “the eye of Jehovah watches over those fearing him, those waiting for his loyal love.”​—Read Psalm 33:18-22.

18-19. (a) What do we want to keep in mind? (b) What will we consider in the next article?

¹⁸ What do we want to keep in mind? Before we began serving Jehovah, we received the love that God shows to mankind in general. As his worshippers, however, we also benefit from his loyal love. Moved by that love, Jehovah embraces us with his protective arms. He will always keep us close to him and will fulfill his purpose regarding us. He wants us to succeed! (Ps. 46:1, 2, 7) Therefore, no matter what trial we may face, Jehovah will give us the strength we need in order to keep our integrity.

¹⁹ We have seen how Jehovah shows loyal love to his servants. In turn, he expects us to show loyal love to one another. How can we do that? The next article will consider this important subject.

1-2. What good reasons do we have to show loyal love to one another?

WE HAVE good reasons to show loyal love to one another. What are some of them? Note how the following inspired proverbs answer that question: “Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. . . . 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. 3:3, 4; 11:17, ftn.; 21:21.

² These proverbs mention three reasons why we should show loyal love. First, showing loyal love makes us precious in God’s eyes. Second, by showing loyal love, we benefit ourselves. For instance, we forge lasting friendships with others. Third, pursuing loyal love leads to future blessings, including everlasting life. Indeed, we have good reasons for heeding Jehovah’s reminder: “Deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.”​—Zech. 7:9.

3. What questions will we consider in this article?

³ In this article, we will consider the answers to four questions. To whom should we show loyal love? What can we learn from the book of Ruth about showing loyal love? How can we show loyal love today? What benefits come to those who show loyal love?

TO WHOM SHOULD WE SHOW LOYAL LOVE?

4. How can we imitate Jehovah in showing loyal love? (Mark 10:29, 30)

⁴ As we learned in the preceding article, Jehovah reserves his loyal love​—his enduring feelings of loving attachment—​for those who love him and serve him. (Dan. 9:4) We want to be “imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Eph. 5:1) Therefore, we desire to develop warm feelings​—a deep and enduring attachment—​for our spiritual brothers and sisters.​—Read Mark 10:29, 30.

5-6. The word “loyalty” may refer to what kind of relationship?

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. To deepen our understanding of loyal love, let us see how it compares with loyalty, as that term is commonly used. Consider an example.

⁶ Today we might describe someone who has worked for the same company for many years as a loyal employee. Yet, in all his years with the company, he may never have met any of the directors. He may not always agree with the policies of that company. He does not love the company, but he is happy to have a job that provides a paycheck. He will continue to work there until he retires, unless he is offered a better position elsewhere.

7-8. (a) What motivates someone to show loyal love? (b) Why will we consider some passages from the book of Ruth?

⁷ The difference between loyalty as discussed in paragraph 6 and loyal love is a person’s motive. In the Bible, what motive stands out in the acts of loyal love shown among God’s people? Those who showed loyal love did so, not because they had to, but because their hearts impelled them. Consider the example of David. His heart moved him to show loyal love to his dear friend Jonathan even though Jonathan’s father wanted to kill David. Years after Jonathan’s death, David still continued to show loyal love to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth.​—1 Sam. 20:9, 14, 15; 2 Sam. 4:4; 8:15; 9:1, 6, 7.

⁸ We can learn much about loyal love by considering some passages from the Bible book of Ruth. What lessons about loyal love can we learn from the individuals featured in that book? How can we apply these lessons in our congregation?b

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH ABOUT SHOWING LOYAL LOVE?

9. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her?

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 Naomi’s husband. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. While there, Naomi’s husband died. Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. Note how she expressed her feelings about God: “The hand of Jehovah has turned against me.” “The Almighty has made life very bitter for me.” She also said: “It is Jehovah who opposed me and the Almighty who caused me calamity.”​—Ruth 1:13, 20, 21.

10. How did Jehovah react to Naomi’s bitter words?

¹⁰ How did Jehovah react to Naomi’s bitter words? He did not turn against his distraught servant. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. Jehovah understands that “oppression can drive the wise one into madness.” (Eccl. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. What help did God provide? (1 Sam. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance. What do we learn from Ruth’s example?

11. Why do kindhearted brothers and sisters reach out to those who are distressed?

¹¹ Loyal love moves us to reach out to those in distress. Just as Ruth stuck with Naomi, kindhearted brothers and sisters today willingly stick with those in the congregation who are despondent or depressed. They love their brothers and sisters, and they are eager to do whatever they can to help them. (Prov. 12:25, ftn.; 24:10) This is in line with the apostle Paul’s admonition: “Speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all.”​—1 Thess. 5:14.

12. What is often the most effective way to help a discouraged brother or sister?

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. Your kind attention to one of Jehovah’s precious sheep does not go unnoticed by our God. (Ps. 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.”

13. How did Ruth differ from Orpah, and why was Ruth’s decision an act of loyal love? (See cover picture.)

¹³ We gain further insight into loyal love by considering what happened to Naomi after the death of her husband and two sons. When Naomi learned that “Jehovah had turned his attention to his people by giving them food,” she decided to return to her home. (Ruth 1:6) Both daughters-in-law started out with her. Along the way, however, three times Naomi urged the women to return to Moab. What happened? We read: “Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and departed. But Ruth stuck with her.” (Ruth 1:7-14) By choosing to return, Orpah was following Naomi’s instructions, doing what was expected. Ruth, however, went beyond that. She too was free to leave, but out of loyal love, she decided to stay to help her needy relative. (Ruth 1:16, 17) Ruth chose to stick with Naomi, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. Ruth’s decision was an act of true loyal love. What lesson does this account contain?

14. (a) Today, what choice do loving brothers and sisters make? (b) According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices are pleasing to God?

¹⁴ Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. 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 example, when they learn that a natural disaster has occurred, they immediately want to know how they can help. When someone in the congregation falls on hard times, they do not hesitate to reach out to that person and help in practical ways. Like the first-century Macedonians, they do more than what is expected. They make personal sacrifices, giving “even beyond their means” in order to help their less fortunate brothers. (2 Cor. 8:3) How pleased Jehovah must be with such a loving spirit!​—Read Hebrews 13:16.

HOW CAN WE SHOW LOYAL LOVE TODAY?

15-16. How did Ruth show her persistence?

¹⁵ We can learn a number of fine lessons by examining how Ruth helped Naomi. Let us consider a few.

¹⁶ Be persistent. When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, Naomi at first objected. But Ruth did not give up. What was the result? “When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, she stopped trying to convince her.”​—Ruth 1:15-18.

17. What will help us not to give up easily?

¹⁷ Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we should not give up on them. 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. (Gal. 6:2) We hope that she will eventually accept our hand of friendship and allow us to help lift her out of despair.

18. What must have been painful for Ruth?

¹⁸ Do not take it personally. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. 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! Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. 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. How painful that must have been for Ruth! Yet, she stuck with Naomi.

19. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed?

¹⁹ Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful way​—despite all our efforts to help her. But we try not to take it personally. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.​—Prov. 17:17.

20. What gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on?

²⁰ Give timely encouragement. Ruth had shown loyal love to Naomi, but now Ruth herself needed encouragement. And Jehovah moved Boaz to encourage her. 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. 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.

21. As described at Isaiah 32:1, 2, what will caring elders provide?

²¹ Application: Those who show loyal love to others sometimes need encouragement themselves. 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. Such timely and warm commendation will give the brothers and sisters the strength they need to carry on.​—Read Isaiah 32:1, 2.

WHAT BENEFITS COME TO THOSE WHO SHOW LOYAL LOVE?

22-23. How did Naomi’s attitude change, and why? (Psalm 136:23, 26)

²² After some time had passed, Boaz provided a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. (Ruth 2:14-18) What was Naomi’s reaction to Boaz’ generosity? 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! Earlier, she had cried out in pain: “Jehovah . . . opposed me,” but now she exclaimed with joy: “Jehovah . . . has not failed in his loyal love.” What might have contributed to Naomi’s changed attitude?

²³ Naomi finally began to see Jehovah’s hand in her life. Jehovah had used Ruth to give needed support on the journey to Judah. (Ruth 1:16) Naomi also saw Jehovah’s hand when Boaz, one of their “repurchasers,” lovingly made generous provisions for the two women.d (Ruth 2:19, 20b) ‘Now I understand,’ she must have thought, ‘Jehovah never left me. He has been with me this whole time!’ (Read Psalm 136:23, 26.) How grateful Naomi must have been that Ruth and Boaz did not give up on her! We can imagine that all three rejoiced over that wonderful outcome.

24. Why do we want to keep on showing loyal love to our fellow believers?

²⁴ What have we learned from the book of Ruth about loyal love? Loyal love moves us not to give up easily on brothers and sisters who are in distress. It also moves us to make sacrifices in order to help them. Elders need to give timely and warm encouragement to those who extend loyal love to others. When we observe how those in need regain their spiritual strength, we feel deep joy. (Acts 20:35) What, though, is the foremost reason why we continue to show loyal love? Because we want to imitate and please Jehovah, who is “abundant in loyal love.”​—Ex. 34:6; Ps. 33:22.