DAILY TEXT, From today Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Where you go I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God (Ruth 1:16).

DAILY TEXT, From today  Tuesday, October 10, 2023,  Where you go I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God (Ruth 1:16).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Wednesday October 11

Where you go I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God (Ruth 1:16).

Due to a time of famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband and two children went to Moab. There, her husband died. Her two sons married, but unfortunately they also died (Ruth 1:3-5). Those blows of life sank Noemí deeper and deeper into discouragement. She was so consumed by her pain that she concluded that Jehovah was against her. Let's look at how she expressed what she thought about God: “The hand of the Lord has turned against me, […] the Almighty has filled my life with bitterness.” She also said: “Jehovah has turned against me. The Almighty has caused me much suffering” (Ruth 1:13, note, 20, 21). Jehovah understands that “oppression can drive a wise man to madness” (Eccl. 7:7). He made Ruth feel compelled to show loyal love to Naomi. With kindness and affection, helped her mother-in-law regain emotional and spiritual balance. w21.11 9 para. 9; 10 paras. 10, 13.

What have many brothers decided to do? and According to Hebrews 13:16, what sacrifices please God?

Loyal love goes beyond what is expected. As in the past, many Witnesses today have decided to show loyal love to their brothers, even those they do not know. For example, when they hear that there has been a natural disaster, they immediately ask how they can help. Or, if they know that a brother in the congregation has financial problems, they try to find out what he needs and help him. They imitate the example of the first-century Macedonian Christians, who gave “even more than they could give” (2 Cor. 8:3). Just like those Christians, they do more than is expected. They sacrifice themselves to help their brothers in need. No doubt, Jehovah is very pleased to see the loyal love of his servants.​—Read Hebrews 13:16.

How did Ruth show that she was not going to give up?

We can learn many valuable lessons from the story of Ruth and Naomi. Let's look at some.

Let's not give up. When Ruth offered to accompany her mother-in-law to Judah, she initially objected. But Ruth did not give up. Which it was the result? “When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, he stopped insisting” (Ruth 1: 15-18).

What will help us not give up easily?

Application: It takes patience to help those who are depressed, but we must not give up. For example, a sister who needs help may not want to accept it at first.c Still, loyal love will compel us to do everything we can to stay by her side (Gal. 6:2). And we do not lose hope that in time he will accept our help and comfort.

What must have hurt Ruth a lot?

Let's not take it personally. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met his former neighbors and told them: “I had everything when I left, but the Lord has brought me back empty-handed” (Ruth 1:21). Can we imagine how Ruth felt when she heard his mother-in-law say that? He had done everything in her power to help Naomi: he had cried with her, he had comforted her, and he had walked with her for days and days. Still, Naomi said, “Jehovah has brought me back empty-handed.” Although Ruth was there by her side, it seemed that Naomi did not value his support. Surely that must have hurt Ruth a lot. But she stayed by Naomi's side.

What will help us stay next to someone who is discouraged?

Application: A sister who is discouraged at first may say something hurtful to us despite our best efforts to help her. But we try not to take it personally. We stand by her side and ask Jehovah to help us find ways to comfort her.​—Prov. 17:17.

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