CƐ̃́Ɛ́-ÐƐ̀ 45
Ɓè Mɛ Tɛmɛìn Tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn Jàà Ðɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-Ðɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn Tee
“Ɓè mɛ nɔ̀mɔ̀ kpeɖeín ɓó ɓè mùè ɖò gbo, ké ɓè mɛ dyé ɓè mùè ɖò wììn.”—ZƐ́K. 7:9.
WƐ́ÐƐ́ 107 The Divine Pattern of Love
ÐƐ-KƆ̃IN-GMƆÌN-GMƆÌN *
1-2. Ðɛ́ mɔ̀ xwíníín kpa ɖɛ ɓè à ɓéɖé ɓɛ́ à ké jàà ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn tɛmɛìn tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn nyɛ́?
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. Dyi-diè-ɖɛ̀ ɓèɔ̀ nyɛ́ à mu jè cɛ̃ìn ɖé cɛ̃́ɛ́-ɖɛ̀ nìà kɛ múɛ́?
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?
NYƐ́ ƁÈ À MƐ TƐ̀MƐ̀ÌN JÀÀ ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN-ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN DYÍƐ́?
4. Xwɛ̀ à ɓɛ́ìn Jɛhova kíɖíí síɛ dyììn ɖé jàà ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn-tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn múɛ́?
4 As we learned in the preceding article, Jehovah reserves 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.
his loyal love—his enduring feelings of loving attachment—for those who love him and serve him. (5-6. Wuɖu mɔ̀à ɖɛ ɖò “gboi-kpɔ̃-kpɔ̃” kɛɛ ɓá ɖɛ́ dyíɛ́?
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) Ðɛ́ nyuɛ ké nyɔ ɖò tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn jàà ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn nyɛ́? (b) Xwíníínɔ̀ nyɛ́ kɔ̃̀ jè à muà Wuɖufí-cèè-ɖɛ̀ɔ̀ wáká ɖíɛ́ ɓè jè cɛ̃ìn nyɛ́?
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? *
ÐƐ́ À ƁƐ́ÌN CƐ̃́Ɛ SƆ̀ÌN ÐÉ WUÐUFÍ-CÈÈ-ÐƐ̀Ɔ̀ MÚ ƁÁ JÀÀ ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN-ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN TƐ̀MƐ̀ÌN JÈ DYÍƐ́?
9. Xwíníínɔ̀ nyɛ́ kɔ̃̀ jè Nìómì cɛ̃ɛ ma kà Jɛhova se ma ɔ jè dyi kpɔ̃ kɛ́?
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. Ðɛ́ Jɛhova nyu ma ɓá Nìómìɛ̀ wuɖu-nɛ̀ɛ̀-nɛ̀ɛ̀ ɓèɔ̀ jè dyíɛ́?
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. Xwíníínɔ̀ nyɛ́ kɔ̃̀ jè ɖíí-gàà kè ɖíí-màà nɔ̀mɔ̀ hwòɖò kɔ̃in ɓè nyíà nyɔ ɓè kɔ̃̀ hwòɖò kpá ɖé ɖeiɛɛ gbo-kpá-sɔ̃̀ kɛ́?
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.
By listening, we can help a discouraged brother or sister (See paragraph 12)
12. Ðɛ́ mɔ̀ hwìè nɔ̀mɔ̀ dyíin ɖò kɔ̃̀ mú à ɓɛ́ìn ɖíí-gàà kè ɖíí-màà ɓè kɔ̃̀ hwòɖò kpá ɖé ɖeiɛɛ gbo kpáa kɛ́?
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.”
Ruth clings to Naomi, her mother-in-law, while Orpah returns to Moab. Ruth tells Naomi: “Where you go I will go” (See paragraph 13)
13. Xwɛ̀ Wuɖufí nyu ma kòɛ̀ ɓó Ɔ́pà gboɛ́, ké xwíníínɔ̀ nyɛ́ kɔ̃̀ jè Wuɖufíɛ̀ gbɔ-po-ɖɛ̀ɔ̀ mɔ̀ ma kà jàà ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn nyɛ́? (Dyé dyi-dyé-ɖɛ̀ nìà mákázĩ̀ìnɔ̀ kɔ̃ɛ.)
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) Zɛ̃̀ɛ̀ kɛɛ, ɖɛ́ à ɖíí-gàà kè ɖíí-màà ɓè ɓɛ́ wa ɓéɖé ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn nyɛɛ gã kɛ́? (b) Kà Híìbúɖúù 13:16 nyuà cɛ̃ɛ kɛɛ, ɖɛ́ mɔ̀ nyíí-ɖɛ̀ ɓè ɓɛ́ wa dè Geɖepɔɔ hwìɖìi kɛ́?
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.
XWƐ̀ À ƁƐ́ÌN JÀÀ ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN-ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN TƐ̀MƐ̀ÌN ZƐ̃̀Ɛ̀ KƐ́?
15-16. Xwɛ̀ Wuɖufí nyu ma duún-ku-ku tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn nyɛ́?
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. Ðɛ́ mu à gbo kpáùn ɓɛ́ à ké se sa wàɖà kɛ́?
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. * 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. Ðɛ́ ɓɛ́ìn ma puà-ɖɛ̀ jùɛ ɓó Wuɖufí bììɛ́?
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. Ðɛ́ mu à gbo kpáùn ɓɛ́ à ké nyɔ ɖò kɔ̃̀ hwòɖò kpá ɖé ɖeiɛɛ kíɖíí nɛ́?
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. Prov. 17:17.
We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.—How can Christian elders today imitate Boaz? (See paragraphs 20-21)
20. Ðɛ́ nyí ma Wuɖufí kpé ɓɛ́ ɔ ké ma dyúa muɛ́?
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. Kà ɔ nyuà mɛ dèɛ̀ ɖé Àzédyà 32:1, 2 múɛɛ, ɖɛ́ ɛ́ɖɔ̀ ɓè kɔ̃̀ nyɔ ɓè jè gboɛɛ mu nyuùn wɛ̃́?
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.
ÐƐ́ MƆ̀ KPÁNÁ ƁÈ ƁƐ́ NYƆ ƁÈ TƐ̀MƐ̀ÌN JÀÀ ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN-ÐƐ̀ƁƐ̀ÌN NYƐƐ DYÉ KƐ́?
22-23. Xwɛ̀ Nìómì kpeɖe nyu ma gbo zĩàìn nyɛ́, ké xwíníínɔ̀ nyɛ́ kɔ̃̀ jèɛ́? (Wɛ́ɖɛ́ 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. * (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. Xwíníínɔ̀ nyɛ́ kɔ̃̀ jè à mɔ́ à kéà jàà ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ìn à ɖíí-jàà-po-nyɔ̀ ɓè dyí tɛ̀mɛ̀ìn tee kɛ́?
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.
WƐ́ÐƐ́ 130 Be Forgiving
^ wɖkp. 5 Jehovah wants us to show loyal love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation. We can deepen our understanding of what loyal love is by examining how some of God’s servants in the past showed this quality. In this article, we will consider what we can learn from the examples of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz.
^ wɖkp. 8 To benefit fully from this article, we encourage you to read for yourself Ruth chapters 1 and 2.
^ wɖkp. 17 Because we are considering the example of Naomi, we refer to sisters in need. But the points in this article apply equally to brothers.
^ wɖkp. 23 For more information on the role of Boaz as repurchaser, see the article “Imitate Their Faith—‘An Excellent Woman,’” in The Watchtower of October 1, 2012, p. 20.