Jehovah's Loving-Kindness Never Fails

Jehovah repeatedly expressed his loving-kindness toward the Israelites as a people. Psalm 136 relates that in his loving-kindness, he granted them deliverance (Verses 10-15), guidance (Verse 16), and protection (Verses 17-20) God has also displayed his loving-kindness toward individuals. A person who shows loving-kindness to fellow humans does so by voluntary deeds intended to fill a crucial need. Concerning loving-kindnesses, one Bible reference work states: "It is an act that preserves or promotes life. It is intervention on behalf of someone suffering misfortune or distress." One scholar describes it as "love translated into action."

The Genesis accounts that we have examined show us that Jehovah never fails to display his loving-kindness to those who love him. Lot, Abraham and Joseph lived under different circumstances and faced distinct trials. They were imperfect humans, but they were approved servants of Jehovah, and they were in need of divine help. We can take comfort in the fact that our loving heavenly Father displays loving-kindness toward such individuals.

Lot made some unwise decisions that led to hardships. (Genesis 13:12, 13; 14:11, 12) Yet, he also displayed commendable qualities. When two of God's angels arrived in sodomy Lot showed them hospitality. (Genesis 19:1-3) In faith he warned his son's-in-law about the imminent destruction of Sodom. (Genesis 19:14) God's view of Lot is found at 2 Peter 2:7-9, where we read: "[Jehovah] delivered righteous Lot, who was greatly distressed by the indulgence of the law-defying people in loose conduct-for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds-Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial." Yes, Lot was a righteous man, and the wording here implies that he was a person of godly devotion. Like him, we enjoy God's loving-kindness as we engage in "holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion."

The account in Genesis chapter 24 leaves no doubt about Abraham's bond with Jehovah. The first verse states that "Jehovah had blessed Abraham in everything." Abraham's servant called Jehovah "the God of my master Abraham." (Verses 12, 27) And the disciple James says that Abraham was "declared righteous" and
came to be called 'Jehovah's friend.'" (James 2:21-23) Much the same is true of Joseph. the close relationship between Jehovah and Joseph is emphasized throughout Genesis chapter 39. (Verses 2, 3, 21, 23) Moreover, regarding Joseph, the disciple Stephen said: " God was with him." - Acts 7:9.

The recipients of divine loving-kindness whom we have just considered were individuals who had a good relationship with Jehovah God and served the divine purpose in certain ways. They faced obstacles that they could not have overcome by themselves. At stake were the preservation of Lot's life, the continuation of Abraham's family line, and the securing of Joseph's role. Only Jehovah could fill the needs of these godly men, and he did just that by intervening with acts of loving-kindness. If we are to experience Jehovah God's loving-kindness forever, we too must have a close personal relationship with him, and we must continue to do his will- Ezra 7:28; Psalm 18:50.

Next time: God's Servants Are Favored