“Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; his loyal love endures forever” (Ps. 136:1).
1, 2. How do many brothers feel about life's blows?
The illustration of the ship in the storm perfectly describes how we may feel when life hits us hard. Sometimes our emotions rise and fall just like that ship, and this can make us think that Jehovah is far away or that he doesn't notice us, as the psalmists express at Psalm 10:1 and 13:1.
Even when someone encourages us, that comfort may be short-lived, and the doubts return. But this paragraph reminds us that this feeling does not mean that Jehovah has abandoned us. Rather, it shows that we need an anchor, something to stabilize us. And that anchor is remembering with conviction that Jehovah loves us deeply and that he is always ready to help us.
3. a) What is loyal love? (Psalm 31:7; 136:1).
Loyal love is a deep, firm, and lasting affection, as Psalm 31:7 explains. It is not a love that depends on circumstances or emotions, but a constant commitment. In the Bible, this expression conveys the idea of an attachment that remains even in difficult times.
The beautiful thing is that Jehovah not only shows loyal love; the Bible says that he is full of it, as mentioned at Exodus 34:6, 7. That means that his love is not exhausted or diminished by our weaknesses or mistakes.
For us, remembering that Jehovah feels this loyal love for his servants is a great help, because it assures us that, no matter what happens, he will never abandon us. That is the foundation that allows us to remain steadfast.
3. b) Why do we say that no one displays this quality better than Jehovah? (See also the picture.)
We say that no one demonstrates loyal love better than Jehovah, because he not only feels this love, but he expresses it perfectly and consistently. Exodus 34:6-7 says that he is full of loyal love, and Psalm 86:5 describes him as one whose goodness is abundant. This indicates that Jehovah does not abandon those who serve him, even in the most difficult situations.
We may fail or change emotionally, but he does not. Moreover, when we remember how he has cared for his people throughout history, we see that his love is truly immense. That loyal love acts as a spiritual anchor when we think of him. As Psalm 23:4 says, we feel stability and the assurance that Jehovah is by our side.
ILLUSTRATION
A sailboat's anchor is submerged in the sea and thus prevents the sailboat from drifting during a storm.
Just as an anchor prevents a ship from drifting during a storm, trust in Jehovah’s love keeps us steady when we go through difficulties. (See paragraph 3.)
LET US VIEW JEHOVAH'S LOVE AS A BASIC TEACHING OF THE BIBLE
4. What are some basic teachings of the Bible? Why don't we let anything make us believe otherwise?
The basic teachings are those fundamental truths we learn in the Bible: that God's name is Jehovah, that Jesus is his only begotten Son, that the dead are unconscious, that the earth will be a paradise, and that eternal life is a real hope.
When we become fully convinced of these teachings by the evidence of the Bible, nothing can make us doubt them. The article invites us to view Jehovah’s love in exactly the same way, as a fundamental teaching. Thus, when thoughts arise that Jehovah does not love us or does not care about us, we reject that idea with the same firmness with which we reject a false doctrine.
5. How does a person come to reject false beliefs?
A person rejects false beliefs by comparing what other religions teach with what the Bible actually says. For example, many believed that Jesus was God until they read texts like Colossians 1:15 and John 3:18, where it is clearly shown that Jesus is the Son created by Jehovah.
This process requires analyzing, questioning, and dismantling ideas that may be deeply entrenched, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5. It is not always easy, but once we understand the truth, we do not want to return to the beliefs we left behind, as mentioned in Philippians 3:13.
Interestingly, this same method helps us when doubts arise about whether Jehovah loves us. We should also compare these doubts with Bible truth and firmly reject them.
6. Why is the phrase “his faithful love endures forever” repeated so many times in Psalm 136?
Psalm 136 repeats the phrase “his loyal love endures forever” 26 times to emphasize that this truth is fundamental, not secondary. Jehovah wants us to have absolute assurance of his love.
Just as we are convinced of other basic biblical teachings, we must also be convinced that he loves us deeply.
When thoughts like, “Perhaps Jehovah doesn’t care about me,” begin to arise, we should ask ourselves if that’s true and compare it with what the Bible says. And the Bible is very clear: his love is lasting, loyal, and constant.
Therefore, this repeated phrase serves as a strong and continuous reminder not to accept unfounded doubts. Just as we reject a false doctrine, we must equally firmly reject the idea that Jehovah does not love us.
7. What are some texts that confirm that Jehovah does love us?
There are many texts, but the article mentions two very clear ones. In Matthew 10:31, Jesus said that we are worth more than many sparrows, and he didn't say "perhaps," but rather made a confident statement. That shows how much Jehovah values us.
And in Isaiah 41:10, Jehovah promises to uphold us with his righteous right hand, stating directly that he will help us. These texts do not express possibilities, but certainties.
When we go through difficulties, meditating on them strengthens us and reminds us that Jehovah is attentive to our needs. It also encourages us to talk to him about our doubts, just as 1 John 4:16 says: “Christians must come to know and believe in the love that God has for us.”
8. What can we do if we continue to doubt that Jehovah loves us?
If doubts persist, the first step is to compare what we feel with what we know from the Bible. Remember that feelings can deceive us, but Jehovah's word cannot.
Remember that difference and ask yourself: Is this according to the Bible? Meditate on texts such as Psalm 136:1 and 1 John 4:8, which show the loving nature of God.
Pray openly about your doubts and ask Jehovah for clarity and comfort. Talk to a mature brother or sister who can encourage you with Bible truths. Also, review the ransom work and Bible examples of divine care.
By comparing emotions with the truth and using prayer and the congregation, doubts lose strength and the certainty of Jehovah's love grows again.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Compare your feelings with the Bible. Feelings can be deceiving, but the Bible is not. Now review texts such as Psalm 136:1 and 1 John 4:8. And share your doubts with a brother or sister to receive Bible-based encouragement. In this way, your doubts will lose their power, and your certainty of Jehovah’s love will grow again.
LET US REFLECT ON THE FACT THAT “THE FATHER HIMSELF” LOVES US
9, 10. What was Jesus talking about when he said, “You are loved by the Father”? (John 16:26, 27; see also the picture.)
When Jesus said, “The Father himself loves you,” he meant that prayers should be directed to the Father, since he himself hears them and takes care of his servants.
The context shows that Jesus wanted to make it clear that, although the disciples loved Jesus, they should not pray to him as an intermediary after the resurrection, but should instead address the Father in his name.
The phrase underscores that Jehovah personally takes responsibility for listening to and helping his people. This strengthens our confidence when we pray, because we know that we are not speaking to someone distant, but to a Father who loves us and answers our prayers. Praying in this way demonstrates faith that Jehovah cares for us.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of a brother praying confidently about three important matters while sitting on an outdoor bench. 1. His wife is sick in bed, and he brings her a meal. 2. His young daughter enjoys studying the Bible with him. 3. The brother reviews a stack of bank papers.
You can pray to Jehovah with confidence, for you know that “the Father himself” loves you. (See paragraphs 9 and 10.)
LET'S BE CLEAR ABOUT WHERE THE DOUBTS COME FROM
11. Why does Satan rejoice if we begin to doubt Jehovah’s love?
Satan rejoices because doubts about Jehovah's love help him to weaken our faith and distance us from our faithful service.
He is looking for someone to devour, and one of his tactics is to sow suspicion that we neither deserve nor receive divine love. If we fall into that trap, we may give up, isolate ourselves, or neglect prayer and fellowship, which facilitates his destructive work.
It's strange that those who don't have God's love try to convince us that we don't either. Recognizing this strategy empowers us to resist it.
When we identify Satan as the cause, we can use the word, prayer, and organization to reaffirm that Jehovah's love is real and lasting.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Satan rejoices because doubts give him an opening to weaken us and distance us from Jehovah. But by identifying his tactics and using the Bible, prayer, and the congregation, we can combat all of Satan's strategies that could weaken us.
12, 13. Why might inherited sin cause us to doubt Jehovah's love?
Inherited sin affects our mind, our emotions, and our body, creating feelings of guilt, anxiety, insecurity, and shame that can make us think we don't deserve divine love.
Jehovah loves us, but our flawed conscience accuses us and makes us feel unworthy. Moreover, imperfection constantly reminds us of our failings, like a flat tire that prevents a vehicle from functioning properly.
Therefore, it is understandable to have doubts, but it is also important to distinguish between reality and the voice of sin that accuses us. Recognizing this dynamic helps us to reject doubt and seek the cleansing and comfort that Jehovah offers.
14. Why does thinking about the ransom help us to stop doubting Jehovah’s love? (Romans 5:8; see also the box “Beware of the ‘deceptive power of sin’”).
Remembering the ransom reminds us that Jehovah loved us first and acted to save us even when we were unworthy. Romans 5:8 and 1 John 4:10 show that the ransom is the ultimate expression of his love. He did not come because we were perfect, but because he loved us.
If we feel undeserving of that love, the work of Christ proves otherwise. God paid an immense price for us. Knowing this reduces the guilt that paralyzes us and reminds us that his love depends not on our perfection, but on his mercy.
Meditating on redemption restores the right perspective. We are the recipients of a love that forgives and restores, and this calms our doubts and encourages us to continue fighting against inherited sin.
LET'S MAKE THE DECISION TO BE LOYAL
15, 16. If we are loyal to Jehovah, what can we be sure of, and why? (2 Samuel 22:26).
If we choose to be loyal, we can trust that Jehovah will also be loyal to us. This divine loyalty is shown in his willingness to protect, sustain, and reward those who seek and obey him. Our decision to cling to him does not guarantee the absence of trials, but it does ensure his constant companionship and help.
Furthermore, knowing his history of faithfulness, how he has cared for his people and kept his promises, gives us a solid foundation for that trust. Therefore, the call is to choose life and loyalty. When we do, the assurance of his love and support becomes our anchor in the face of any storm.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why is it good to view Jehovah's love as a basic teaching of the Bible?
This is good because it reminds us that everything Jehovah does—his counsel, his commands, and his patience—stems from his love. This gives us confidence and helps us draw closer to him.
Why might inherited sin cause us to doubt Jehovah's love?
It can make us doubt because imperfection affects our thoughts and emotions and can make us feel unworthy or guilty, but those feelings do not reflect how Jehovah sees us.
What will help us to stop doubting Jehovah's love?
What will help us is meditating on the rescue and the tests of his loyal love. This reminds us that Jehovah values us, forgives us, and always wants what is best for us.
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