1. What is Jehovah encouraging us to do?
Jehovah takes pleasure in loyal love . --Hos. 6: 6. And he lovingly encourages his servants to see him the same way. Through the prophet Micah, our God commands us to love loyal love (Mic. 6: 8, footnote). Of course, in order to do that, we first have to know what this quality is.
2. What is loyal love?
The expression "loyal love" appears about 230 times in the Bible. New World Translation. And what is loyal love? The glossary for this translation explains: “ It refers to love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. It is almost always related to the love that God feels for human beings , but it can also refer to the love that one human being shows to another ”. Jehovah is the supreme example of this kind of love. In this article, we will discuss how Jehovah shows loyal love to human beings, and in the next we will see how God's servants can imitate him by showing loyal love to one another.
JEHOVAH IS "FULL OF LOYAL LOVE"
3. What did Jehovah say to Moses?
Shortly after the Israelites left Egypt, Jehovah spoke to Moses of his name and his qualities. He said: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a merciful and compassionate God, patient and full of loyal love and truth, showing loyal love to thousands, forgiving mistakes, trespasses, and sins.” - Ex. 34: 6, 7. With these beautiful words, Jehovah revealed to her a unique characteristic of his loyal love. Let's see what it is.
4, 5. (a) What did Jehovah say about himself? b) What questions are we going to answer?
Jehovah not only said that he has loyal love , but that he is "full of loyal love ." This descriptive phrase appears seven more times in the Bible (Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; 13:22; Ps. 86:15; 103: 8; Joel 2:13; Jon. 4: 2). In all cases, it refers only to Jehovah, never to human beings. Isn't it striking that Jehovah emphasizes his loyal love so much? It is clear that this quality is important to him. * No wonder King David was motivated to exclaim: “O Jehovah, your loyal love reaches to the heavens... Oh God, how precious is your loyal love! In the shadow of your wings the children of men take refuge ”(Psalm 36: 5, 7). And we? Do we value God's loyal love as much as David?
To better understand what loyal love means, let's answer these two questions: To whom does Jehovah show loyal love? And how do Jehovah's acts of loyal love benefit us?
TO WHOM DOES JEHOVAH SHOW LOYAL LOVE?
6. To whom does Jehovah show loyal love?
To whom does Jehovah show loyal love? The Bible explains that we can love many things, such as "discipline", "knowledge", "wine and oil" and "wisdom", to give just a few examples (Prov. 12: 1; 21:17; 29 :3). But loyal love is never directed at things or concepts; only shown to people. Does this mean that Jehovah shows loyal love to anyone? No, he shows it to those who have a special relationship with him. Our God is loyal to his friends. It has a wonderful purpose for them and it will never abandon them.
7. How has Jehovah shown love to all human beings in general?
Jehovah has shown love to all human beings in general. Jesus told a man named Nicodemus: "God so loved the world [that is, all mankind] that he gave his only-begotten Son so that no one who shows faith in him would be destroyed, but have eternal life" (John 3: 1, 16; Matt. 5:44, 45).
ILLUSTRATION:
People of different backgrounds and ages. Series of images: Signs of Jehovah's love. 1. Sunlight and rain. 2. Flowers, plants, and trees. 3. The opportunity to benefit from the rescue.
Jehovah gives many good things to all human beings, even those who do not worship him. (See paragraph 7.)
8, 9. (a) Why does Jehovah show loyal love to his servants? b) What will we analyze now?
As we said before, Jehovah shows his loyal love only to those who have a good relationship with him, that is, to his servants. This is clearly seen by what was inspired by King David and the prophet Daniel. For example, David wrote: "Keep showing your loyal love to those who know you" and "Jehovah's loyal love for those who fear him lasts for all eternity." And Daniel said: “O Jehovah, the true God, great and awesome, the one who... Shows loyal love to those who love him and obey his commandments” (Ps. 36:10; 103: 17; Dan 9: 4). As we can see, Jehovah shows loyal love to his servants because they know him, fear him, love him, and obey his commandments. He reserves this quality for his people, who worship him in the right way.
Before we began to serve Jehovah, we already received the love that God shows to humanity in general (Ps. 104: 14). But when we begin to worship him, we also receive his loyal love. In fact, Jehovah assures his people: “My loyal love will not depart from you” (Isa. 54:10). And David himself saw from personal experience how true these words are: "Jehovah will treat in a special way those who are loyal to him" (Ps. 4: 3). What should we do when we see that Jehovah has such a special affection for us? One psalm writer said: “He that is wise will keep these things in mind and will analyze Jehovah's acts of loyal love with interest.” - Ps. 107: 43. In light of this divine counsel, let's discuss three ways in which Jehovah's acts of loyal love benefit us.
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: 1. King David plays the harp and sings. 2. The prophet Daniel reads a scroll.
King David and the prophet Daniel said that Jehovah shows loyal love to those who know him, fear him, love him and obey his commandments. (See paragraphs 8 and 9).
HOW DO JEHOVAH'S ACTS OF LOYAL LOVE BENEFIT US?
10. How does it benefit us to know that God's loyal love lasts forever? (Psalm 31: 7).
God's loyal love lasts forever. In Psalm 136, this important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times. The first verse says: “Give thanks to Jehovah that he is good; his loyal love lasts forever ”(Ps. 136: 1). In verses 2 through 26, the following refrain is repeated: "For his loyal love lasts forever." As we read this psalm, we are impressed to see that Jehovah shows his loyal love in many ways and consistently. The phrase "because his loyal love lasts forever" guarantees that God's love for his people does not change. How empowering us to know that Jehovah is not quick to abandon his servants! Rather, he stands by those who serve him, especially in difficult times. How it benefits us: Knowing that Jehovah is standing by our side gives us the joy and strength we need to face problems and keep walking on the path that leads to life . --Read Psalm 31: 7.
11. According to Psalm 86: 5, what prompts Jehovah to forgive?
God's loyal love prompts you to forgive. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and strives to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. In a psalm, David said of Jehovah: “He has not treated us according to our sins or given us what we deserve for our mistakes” (Ps. 103: 8-11). David knew firsthand how bad a person feels when their conscience bothers them. But he also learned that Jehovah is "willing to forgive ." In a prayer, David highlighted what prompts Jehovah to forgive. --Read Psalm 86: 5. Indeed, Jehovah forgives because his loyal love for all who call to him is immense.
12, 13. What will help us if we are overwhelmed with guilt due to mistakes we made in the past?
If we commit a sin, it is good — and even healthy — to feel bad, as this can cause us to repent and take the necessary steps to correct our mistakes. But some of God's servants have been overwhelmed with guilt because of mistakes they made in the past. Their heart condemns them and convinces them that no matter how much they repent, Jehovah can never forgive them. If you feel this way, it will be helpful to understand that Jehovah is eager to show you his loyal love.
How it benefits us: Despite our imperfections, we can serve Jehovah happily and with a clear conscience. Why? Because "the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1: 7). If we are discouraged by some defect we have, let us remember that Jehovah is willing to forgive those who repent of their sins. Let's look at how David related loyal love and forgiveness. He wrote: “As high as heaven is above the earth, so immense is his loyal love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our sins from us ”(Ps. 103: 11, 12). Surely Jehovah is willing to generously forgive us (Isa. 55: 7).
14. How did David describe how God's loyal love protects us?
God's loyal love protects us from any spiritual danger. In a prayer, David said to Jehovah: “You are a hiding place for me; you will protect me from anguish. You will surround me with joyous cries of liberation. He added: “The one who trusts in Jehovah is surrounded by his loyal love.” - Ps. 32: 7, 10. In biblical times, the walls that surrounded a city protected its inhabitants from enemies. Similarly, Jehovah's acts of loyal love are like a wall that protects us from any spiritual danger. Furthermore, out of his loyal love, Jehovah draws us to him. --Jer. 31: 3.
15. How is Jehovah's loyal love like a refuge and a fortress?
David used another comparison to explain how God protects his people. He wrote: "God is my safe haven, the God who shows me loyal love." And he also said, "He is my loyal love and my strength, my safe haven and rescuer, my shield and the one in whom I find shelter" (Ps. 59:17; 144: 2). Why did David associate Jehovah's loyal love with a refuge and a fortress? Because no matter where we live on earth, as long as we are his servants, Jehovah will give us all the protection we need to maintain our valuable relationship with him. Psalm 91 gives us the same guarantee. Its writer stated: “I will say to Jehovah: 'You are my refuge and mystrength '”(Psalm 91: 1-3, 9, 14). Moses used a similar comparison (Ps. 90: 1, note). What's more, shortly before he died, he highlighted a moving detail. He wrote: “God is a refuge from ancient times; His everlasting arms are under you ”(Deut. 33:27). What does the phrase “his everlasting arms are under you” teach us about Jehovah?
16. What two blessings do we enjoy? (Psalm 136: 23).
When we take refuge in Jehovah, we feel safe. Still, there may be days when we feel down and down. During these times, what will Jehovah do for us? (Read Psalm 136: 23). He will put his arms under us and lovingly help us get back on our feet (Ps. 28: 9; 94:18). How it benefits us: Knowing that we can always count on God's support helps us remember two blessings we enjoy. First, that no matter where we live we have a safe place to take refuge. And second, that our loving heavenly Father cares very much about us.
ILLUSTRATION:
Jehovah's servants are highlighted in the midst of all human beings. Series of images: Signs of Jehovah's loyal love. 1. His eternal love, accompanied by a drawing of the Earth surrounded by starry skies. 2. His forgiveness, accompanied by a picture of a sister praying. 3. His spiritual protection, accompanied by a drawing of a fortified city. At heart, signs of Jehovah's love to all people. 4. Sunlight and rain. 5. Flowers, plants and trees. 6. The rescue.
Jehovah blesses those who serve him in a special way. (See paragraphs 10-16). *
WHY GOD'S LOYAL LOVE GIVES US CONFIDENCE
17. What can we trust? (Psalm 33: 18-22)
As we have seen, when we face trials, we can be sure that Jehovah will help us and give us the support we need to be loyal. --2 Cor. 4: 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah stated: “It is thanks to Jehovah's loyal love that our end has not come, because his displays of mercy never end” (Lam. 3:22). We can trust that Jehovah will continue to show us loyal love because, as one psalm writer put it, “Jehovah's eyes are on those who fear him, on those who wait for his loyal love.” --Read Psalm 33: 18-22.
18, 19. a) What do we want to remember? b) What will we see in the next article?
In short, what do we want to remember? Before we started serving Jehovah, we already received the love that God shows to humanity in general. But when we begin to worship him, we also receive his loyal love. That love motivates him to take us in his arms to protect us. He will always keep us close to him and fulfill the purpose he has in store for us. He wants us to do well in life (Ps. 46: 1, 2, 7). So whatever problem we face, Jehovah will give us the strength we need to be faithful to him.
We have already seen how Jehovah shows loyal love to his servants. In turn, he expects us to show loyal love to each other. In the next article, we will see how we can do it.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What is loyal love?
It refers to love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. It is almost always related to the love that God feels for human beings, but it can also refer to the love that one human being shows to another.
To whom does Jehovah show loyal love?
He shows it to those who have a special relationship with him. Our God is loyal to his friends. It has a wonderful purpose for them and it will never abandon them.
Why are you grateful for Jehovah's loyal love?
Because he shows us loyal love, and never leaves us. He also gave his only begotten Son so that no one who shows faith in him would be destroyed.
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