In What Ways Does Jehovah Love Us?

"Why are you so angry and dejected?  If you turn to doing good, will not be restored to favor? . .  .Will you get the mastery over [sin ]?" (Genesis 4:6, 7) That was timely counsel coupled with positive direction. Jehovah thus warned Cain when it was apparent that Cain was on a very dangerous course. Sadly, Cain did not heed that warning, and he suffered for it. (Genesis 4:11-13) When Jeremiah's secretary, Baruch, felt weary and despondent, Jehovah gave him counsel to help him see the reality of his problem.  Unlike Cain, Baruch accepted Jehovah's counsel, and this preserved his life. -Jeremiah 45:2-5. 

"Those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son," wrote Paul.  (Hebrews 12:6)  Discipline, however,  is not limited to punishment. It takes various form.  There are many examples in the Bible of faithful servant undergoing extreme  trials that may have involved discipline and that trained them.  Think of Joseph, Moses, and David.  Accounts of their lives are among the most detailed and vivid of all Bible characters. Reading about how Jehovah was with them throughout their trials and how they came to be used mightily by Jehovah makes us feel all the more Jehovah's care and love for his servants. -Read Proverbs 3:11, 12. 

Discipline from Jehovah helps us see another aspect of his love. When those who have done wrong are disciplined by Jehovah and they respond and repent, "he will forgive in a large way." (Isaiah 55:7) What does that mean?  David gave a touching description of Jehovah's forgiveness in these words:  "He forgives all your errors and heals all your ailments; he reclaims your life from the pit and crowns you with his loyal love and mercy. As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so fr off from us he had put our transgressions." (Psalm 103:3, 4, 12) May we always be sensitive  to Jehovah's counsel, even his discipline, and be quick to respond , recognizing that it is an expression of his boundless love for us. -Psalm 30:5. 

Next time: In What Ways Does Jehovah Love Us? - JEHOVAH PROTECTS AND SAFEGUARDS US

From the Watchtower magazine