What Does It Mean to Be Loyal? - Conclusion of Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

   Conclusion of  Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

In addition to being loyal to the organization, will we be loyal to one another?  When faced with the threat of brutal persecution, will we remain loyal to our brothers and sisters?  During World  War II, our brothers in the Netherlands set a fine example of loyalty. And elder from the Groningen Congregation, Klaas de Vries, was subjected to cruel merciless interrogation by the Nazi Gestapo, placed in solitary confinement for 12 days with only bread and water, and then questioned again.  With a revolver pointed at him and under threat of death, he was given two minutes to divulge the whereabouts of responsible brothers, as well as other vital information.   The only thing Klaas would say was:  "You will hear nothing more from me. . . .I will not become a traitor."  three times he was threatened with the revolver.  Finally, the Gestapo gave up, and Klaas was sent to another prison.  Never did he betray his brothers.

Will our loyalty extend to our closest relative -our marriage mate? Even as Jehovah honored his convenant relationship with the nation of Israel, are we loyal to our wedding vows?  More than being unswerving in allegiance, actively pursue a close relationship with your mate.  Take the initiative to make your marriage secure.  Spend time together, communicate freely and openly with each other, support and encourage each other, listen to each other, laugh together, cry together, play together, work together to achieve mutual goals, please each other, be friends.  Be especially careful to avoid developing romantic feelings toward  others.  While it is right and proper to develop acquaintances and even close friendships with others outside of your marriage, romantic feelings should be limited to your mate. -Proverbs 5:15-20.

Remain loyal to believing friends and family.  As the years pass, do not forget them.  Keep in touch, write, call, visit.  Wherever life's path may lead you, try not to disappoint them.  Make them happy to say that they know you or are related to you.  Loyalty to them will keep you strong for what is right and will be a source of encouragement for you. -Esther 4:6-16. 

Yes, true loyalty includes positive actions to preserve precious relationships.  do what you can to repay Jehovah's loving-kindness.  Imitate Jehovah's loyalty in your dealings with the Christian congregation, your marriage mate, family and friends.  Loyally proclaim Jehovah's virtues to your neighbors.  The psalmist had it right when he said:  "Jehovah's expressions of loving-kindness I will sing about even to time indefinite.  For generation after generation I shall make your faithfulness known with my mouth."   (Psalm 89:1) Are we not drawn to such a God?  Indeed, "his loving kindness is to time indefinite." -Psalm 100:5.

Next time: WHY ARE THESE TIMES SO BAD?

The Watchtower, 2001