DAILY TEXT, From Monday January 16, 2023, Analyze Jehovah's acts of loyal love (Ps. 107:43).

Daily Scripture Examination 2023

Monday, January 16

Discuss Jehovah's acts of loyal love.—Ps. 107:43.

God's loyal love lasts forever. In Psalm 136, this important aspect of loyal love is mentioned 26 times. The first verse says: “Give thanks to Jehovah for he is good; his loyal love lasts forever” (Ps. 136:1). In verses 2 to 26, the following refrain is repeated: "Because his loyal love lasts forever." As we read this psalm, we are impressed to see that Jehovah shows his loyal love in many ways and on a consistent basis. The phrase "because his loyal love lasts forever" assures us that God's love for his people does not change. How strong it is to know that Jehovah is not in a hurry to abandon his servants! Rather, he stands by those who serve him, especially in difficult times. Knowing that Jehovah remains by our side gives us the joy and strength we need to face problems and continue walking on the path that leads to life (Ps. 31:7). w21.11 4 pars. 9, 10.

According to Psalm 86:5, what prompts Jehovah to forgive?

God's loyal love prompts him to forgive. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and works to change, loyal love prompts him to forgive him. In a psalm, David said of Jehovah: “He has not dealt with us according to our sins or given us what we deserve for our mistakes” (Ps. 103:8-11). David knew from his own experience how bad a person feels when his conscience bothers him. But he also learned that Jehovah is “ready to forgive.” In a prayer, David highlighted what prompts Jehovah to forgive. (Read Psalm 86:5.) Indeed, Jehovah forgives because his loyal love for all who call on him is immense.

What will help us if we feel overwhelmed with guilt because of mistakes we made in the past?

If we do commit a sin, it is good—and even healthy—for us to feel bad, as this can cause us to repent and take steps to correct our mistakes. But some servants of God have been overwhelmed with guilt because of mistakes they made in the past. Their hearts condemn them and convince them that no matter how much they repent, Jehovah can never forgive them. If you feel this way, it will help you to understand that Jehovah is eager to show you his loyal love.

How it benefits us: Despite our imperfections, we can serve Jehovah happily and with a clear conscience. Why? Because "the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). If we are discouraged by a shortcoming we have, let us remember that Jehovah is willing to forgive those who repent of their sins. Let's look at how David linked loyal love and forgiveness. He wrote: “As high as heaven is above earth, so immense is his loyal love for those who fear him. As far as east is from west, so far has he put our sins from us” (Ps. 103:11, 12). Without a doubt, Jehovah is willing to forgive us generously (Is. 55:7).

How did David describe how God's loyal love protects us?

God's loyal love protects us from any spiritual danger. In a prayer, David told Jehovah: “You are a hiding place for me; you will protect me from anguish. You will surround me with joyous cries of deliverance." And he added: “Whoever trusts in Jehovah is surrounded by his loyal love” (Ps. 32:7, 10). In Biblical times, the walls that surrounded a city protected its inhabitants from enemies. In a similar way, Jehovah's acts of loyal love are like a wall that protects us from any spiritual danger. Furthermore, by his loyal love, Jehovah draws us to himself (Jer. 31:3).

How is Jehovah's loyal love like a refuge and a fortress?

David used another comparison to explain how God protects his people. He wrote: “God is my safe haven, the God who shows me loyal love.” And he also said: “He is my loyal love and my strength, my safe refuge and the one who rescues me, my shield and the one in whom I find shelter” (Ps. 59:17; 144:2). Why did David associate Jehovah's loyal love with a refuge and a stronghold? Because no matter where we live on earth, as long as we are his servants, Jehovah will give us all the protection we need to maintain our valuable relationship with him. Psalm 91 gives us the same guarantee. Its writer assured: “I will say to Jehovah: 'You are my refuge and my strength'” (Ps. 91:1-3, 9, 14). Moses used a similar comparison (Ps. 90:1, note). What's more, shortly before he died, he highlighted a moving detail. He wrote: “God is a refuge from ancient times; his everlasting arms are under you” (Deut. 33:27). What does the phrase “his everlasting arms are under you” teach us about Jehovah?

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