What Is Loyalty?

"Loyalty" as used in the Hebrew Scriptures is kindness that lovingly attaches itself to an object and does not let go until its purpose in connection with that object is realized. More is involved than faithfulness. After all, a person might be faithful merely out of a sense of duty. In contrast, loyalty is rooted in love. Then, too, the word "faithful" can be applied to inanimate things. For example, the psalmist called the moon "a faithful witness in the skies" because of its regular nightly appearance. (Psalm 89*:37) But the moon cannot be described as being loyal. Why? Because loyalty is an expression of love-something that inanimate things cannot display.

In its Scriptural sense, loyalty is warm. Its very manifestation indicates that a relationship exists between the person who displays the quality and the one toward whom it is shown. Such loyalty is not fickle. It is not like waves of the sea blown about by changing winds. On the contrary, loyalty, or loyal love, has the stability and strength to overcome the most daunting of obstacles.

Granted, such loyalty is rare today. All too often, close companions are "disposed to break one another to pieces." Increasingly, we hear of spouses who abandon their mates. (Proverbs 18:24; Malachi 2:14-16) Treacherous acts are so common that we might find ourselves echoing the words of the prophet Micah: "The loyal one has perished from the earth." (Micah 7:2) Although humans often fail to show loving-kindness, loyalty outstandingly characterizes Jehovah. In fact, the best way to learn just what loyalty entails is to examine how Jehovah displays this grand facet of his love.

Next time: Jehovah's Matchless Loyalty

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

"You Alone Are Loyal"

KING DAVID was no stranger to disloyalty. At one point his tumultuous reign was beset by intrigue, with members of his own nation plotting against him. Furthermore, David was betrayed by some of those whom we would expect to have been his closest companions. Consider Michal, David's first wife. Initially, she "was in love with David," no doubt supporting him as his kingly endeavors. Later, however, she "began to despise him in her heart," even considering David to be "just as one of the empty-headed men." -1 Samuel 18:20; 2 Samuel 6:16, 20.

Then there was David's personal adviser, Ahithophel. His counsel was esteemed as if it were the direct word of Jehovah. (2 Samuel 16:23) But, in time, this trusted confidant turned traitor and joined an organized rebellion against David. And who was the instigator of the conspiracy? Absalom, David's own son! That scheming opportunist "kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel," setting himself up as a rival king. Absalom's revolt gained so much momentum that King David was forced to flee for his life. -2 Samuel 15:1-6, 12-17.

Was there no one who remained loyal to David? Throughout all his adversity, David knew that indeed there was . Who? None other than Jehovah God. "With someone loyal you will act in loyalty," David said of Jehovah. (2 Samuel 22:26) what is loyalty, and how does Jehovah provide that loftiest example of this quality?

Next time: What Is Loyalty?

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

"Become Radiant Over The Goodness Of Jehovah"

When Satan tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, he began by subtly undermining her trust in Jehovah's goodness. Jehovah had told Adam: "From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction." Of the thousands of trees that must have graced that garden, only one was placed off-limits by Jehovah. Yet, notice how Satan worded his first question to Eve: "Is it really go that God said that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 2:9, 16; 3:1) Satan twisted Jehovah's words to make Eve think that Jehovah was holding back something good. Sadly, the tactic worked. Eve, like so many men and women after her, began to doubt the goodness of God, who had given her everything she had.

We know the depth of sorrow and misery brought on by such doubts. So let us take to heart the words of Jeremiah 31:12: "They will certainly . . . become radiant over the goodness of Jehovah." Jehovah's goodness should indeed make us radiant with joy. We need never doubt the motives of our God, who is so full of goodness. We may trust in him completely, for he wants nothing but good for those who love him.

Further, when we get an opportunity to talk to others about God's goodness, we are delighted. Regarding Jehovah's people, Psalm 145:7 says: "With the mention of the abundance of your goodness they will bubble over." Every day that we live, we benefit in some way from Jehovah's goodness. Why not make it a practice each day to thank Jehovah for his goodness, being as specific as possible? Thinking about that quality, thanking Jehovah for it daily, and telling others about it will help us to imitate our good God. And as we seek was to do good, as Jehovah does, we will draw ever closer to him. The aged apostle John wrote: "Beloved one, be an imitator, not of what is bad, but of what is good. He that does good originates with God." -3 John 11.

Jehovah's goodness is also associated with other qualities. For example, God is "abundant in loving-kindness," or loyal love. (Exodus 34:6) This quality is more specific in its focus than its goodness, for Jehovah expresses it particularly toward his faithful servants. In the next chapter, we will learn how he does so.

Next time:"You Alone Are Loyal"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

Additional Facets Of Jehovah's Goodness

Jehovah's goodness involves more then generosity. God told Moses "I myself shall cause all my goodness to pass before your face, and I will declare the name of Jehovah before you. Later the account says Jehovah went passing by before his face and declaring ' Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.' " (Exodus 33:19; 34:6) So Jehovah's goodness embraces a number of fine qualities. Let us consider just two of these.

"Gracious." This quality tells us much about Jehovah's manner of dealing with his creatures. Instead of being brusque, cold or tyrannical, as is often true of the powerful, Jehovah is gentle and kind. For example, Jehovah said to Abram: "Raise your eyes, please, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward." (Genesis 13:14) Many translations omit the word "please." But Bible scholars note that the wording in the original Hebrew includes a word particle that changes the statement from a command to a polite request. There are other, similar instances. (Genesis 31:12; Ezekiel 8:5) Imagine, the Sovereign of the universe says "please" to mere humans! In a world of where harshness, pushiness and rudeness are so common, is it not refreshing to contemplate the graciousness of our God, Jehovah?
"Abundant in . . .truth." Dishonesty has become the way of the world today. But the Bible reminds us: "God is not a man that he should tell lies." (Numbers 23:19) In fact, Titus 1:2 says that "God . . . cannot lie." He is far too good for that. Thus, Jehovah's promises are completely reliable; his words, always sure of fulfillment. Jehovah is even called "the God of truth." (Psalm 31:5) Not only does he refrain from telling falsehoods but he dispenses an abundance of truth. He is not closed, guarded or secretive; rather, he generously enlightens his faithful servants from his boundless store of wisdom. He even teaches them how to lie by the truths he dispenses so that they may "go walking in the truth." (3 John 3) In general, how should Jehovah's goodness affect us individually?

Next time: "Become Radiant Over The Goodness Of Jehovah"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

Goodness With Everlasting Benefits

Jesus said: "It is written, 'Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.' " (Matthew 4;4) Indeed, Jehovah's spiritual provisions can do us even more good than can the physical kind, for they lead to everlasting life. In Chapter 8 of this book, we noted that Jehovah has used his restorative power during these last days to bring into being a spiritual paradise. A key feature of that paradise is the abundance of spiritual food.

In one of the Bible's great restoration prophecies, the prophet Ezekiel was given a vision of a restored and glorified temple. From that temple flowed a stream of water, widening and deepening as it went until it became a "double-size torrent." Wherever it flowed, that river brought blessings. On its banks flourished a crop of trees that provided food and healing. And the river even brought to life and productivity to the salty, lifeless Dead Sea! (Ezekiel 47:1-12) But what did all of that mean?

The vision meant that Jehovah would restore his arrangement for pure worship, as pictured by the temple Ezekiel saw. Like that visionary river, God's provisions for life would flow out to his people in ever-greater abundance. Since the restoration of pure worship in 1919, Jehovah has blessed his people with life-giving provisions. How? Well, Bible literature, meetings and conventions have all served to bring vital truths to millions. By such means Jehovah has taught people about the most important of his provisions for life-Christ's ransom sacrifice, which brings a clean standing before Jehovah and the hope of everlasting life to all those who truly love and fear God. Hence, throughout these last days, while the world has suffered famine, Jehovah's people have enjoyed a spiritual feast. -Isaiah 65:13.

But Ezekiel's visionary river does not stop flowing when this old system of things meets its end. On the contrary, it will flow even more abundantly during Christ's Millennial Reign. Then, by means of the Messianic Kingdom, Jehovah will apply the full value of Jesus' sacrifice, gradually lifting faithful mankind to perfection. How we will exult over Jehovah's goodness!

Next time: Additional Facets Of Jehovah's Goodness

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

Goodness With Everlasting Benefits

Goodness With Everlasting Benefits

Evidence Of Jehovah's Abundant Goodness

Everyone who has ever lived has benefited from Jehovah's goodness. Psalm 145:9 says: "Jehovah is good to all." What are some examples of his all-embracing goodness? The Bible says: "He did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer." (Acts 14:17) Have you ever felt your spirits lift when enjoying a delightful mean? Were it not for Jehovah's goodness in designing this earth with its ever-recycling fresh water supply and "fruitful seasons" to produce an abundance of food, there would be no meals, Jehovah has directed such goodness not just to those who love him but to everyone. Jesus said: "He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." -Matthew 5:45.

Many take for granted the sheer generosity that is heaped upon mankind because of the continued action of the sun, the rain and the fruitful seasons. For example, consider the apple. Throughout the temperate regions of the earth, it is a common fruit. Yet, it is beautiful, delicious to eat and full of refreshing water and vital nutrients. Did you know that worldwide there are some 7,50 different varieties of apples, ranging in color from red to gold to yellow to green and in size from slightly larger than a cherry to the size of a grapefruit? If you hold a tine apple seed in your hand, it looks insignificant. But from it grows one of the loveliest trees. (Song of Solomon 2:3) Every spring the apple tree is crowned with a glorious halo of blossoms; every autumn it produces fruit. Each year-for up to 75 years-the average tree will yield enough fruit to fill 20 cartons to a weight of 42 pounds each!

In his infinite goodness, Jehovah has given us a body that is "wonderfully made," with senses designed to help us perceiver his works and delight in them. (Psalm 139:14) Think again of those scenes described at the outset of this chapter. What sights bring joy to such moments? The flushed cheeks of a delighted child. The curtains of rain descending on the fields. The reds, golds and violets of a sunset. The human eye is designed to detect over 300,000 different colors! And our sense of hearing catches the nuances of tone in a well-loved voice, the whisper of the wind through the trees, the toddler's ecstatic laugh. Why are we able to enjoy such sights and sounds? The Bible says: "The hearing ear and the seeing eye-Jehovah himself has made even for both of them." (Proverbs 20:12) But those are only two of the senses.

The sense of smell is another evidence of Jehovah's goodness. The human nose can distinguish some 10,000 different odors. Think of just a few: your favorite food, cooking, flowers, fallen leaves, the hint of smoke from a cozy fire. And your sense of touch enables you to feel the caress of the breeze on your face, the reassuring brace of a loved one, the satisfying smoothness of a piece of fruit in your hand. When you take a bite, your sense of taste comes in to play. A symphony of flavor greets you as your taste buds detect subtleties created by the fruit's complex makeup. Yes, we have every reason to exclaim regarding Jehovah: " How abundant your goodness is, which you have treasured up for those fearing you!" (Psalm 31:19) How, though, has Jehovah "treasured up" goodness for those who have Godly fear?

Next time: Goodness With Everlasting Benefits

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

An Outstanding Facet Of Divine Love

In many modern languages, "goodness" is a somewhat bland word. As revealed in the Bible, though, goodness is far from bland. Primarily, it refers to virtue and moral excellence. In a sense, then, we might say that goodness permeates Jehovah. All his attributes-including his power, his justice and his wisdom-are good through and through. Still, goodness might best be describes as an expression of Jehovah's love. Why?

Goodness is an active, outgoing quality. The apostle Paul indicated that in humans it is even more appealing than righteousness. (Romans 5:7) The righteous man can be counted on to adhere faithfully to the requirements of the law, but a good man does more. He takes the initiative, actively seeking ways to benefit others. As we shall see, Jehovah is certainly good in that sense. Clearly, such goodness springs from Jehovah's boundless love.

Jehovah is also unique in his goodness. Not long before Jesus died, a man approached him to ask a question, addressing him with the words "Good Teacher." Jesus replied: "Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God." (Mark 10:17, 18) Now, that response may strike you as puzzling. Why would Jesus correct the man? Was not Jesus, in fact, a "Good Teacher?"

Evidently, the man was using the words: "Good Teacher"as flattering to his heavenly Father, who is good in the supreme sense. (Proverbs 11:2) But Jesus was also affirming a profound truth. Jehovah alone is the standard for what is good. Only he has the sovereign right to determine what is good and what is bad. Adam and Eve, by rebelliously partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, sought to assume that right themselves. Unlike them, Jesus humbly leaves the setting of standards to his Father.

Moreover, Jesus knew that Jehovah is the source of all that is truly good. He is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) Let us examine how Jehovah's goodness is evident in his generosity.

Next time:Evidence Of Jehovah's Abundant Goodness

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002

"O How Great His Goodness Is!"

Bathed in the warm light of sunset, a few longtime friends enjoy an outdoor meal together, laughing and talking as they admire the view. Far away, a farmer looks out at his fields and smiles in satisfaction because dark clouds have gathered and the first drops of rain are falling on the thirsty crops. Elsewhere, a husband and wife are delighted to see their child take his first wobbly steps.

Whether or not they know it or not, such people are all benefiting from the same thing-the goodness of Jehovah God. Religious people often repeat the phrase "God is good." The Bible is far more emphatic. It says: "O how great his goodness is!" (Zechariah 9:17) But it seems that few today really know what those words mean. What does the goodness of Jehovah actually involve, and how does this quality of God affect each one of us?

Next time: An Outstanding Facet Of Divine Love

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002