DAILY TEXT, From today Friday, December 22, 2023, My loyal love will not depart from you (Is. 54:10).

DAILY TEXT, Friday, December 22, 2023, My loyal love will not depart from you (Is. 54:10).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Friday December 22

My loyal love will not depart from you (Is. 54:10).

Jehovah shows his loyal love only to those who have a good relationship with him, that is, to his servants. This is clearly seen from what King David and the prophet Daniel said by inspiration. For example, David wrote: “Continue to show your loyal love to those who know you” and “Jehovah’s loyal love for those who fear him lasts for all eternity.” And Daniel said: “O Jehovah, the true God, great and awesome, who […] shows loyal love to those who love him and obey his commandments” (Ps. 36:10; 103:17; Dan 9:4). As we see, Jehovah shows loyal love to his servants because they know him, fear him, love him, and obey his commandments. He reserves this quality for his people, who worship him in the right way. Even before we began to serve Jehovah, we already received the love that God shows to humanity in general (Ps. 104:14). But, when we start worshiping him, we also receive loyal love from him. w21.11 4 paras. 8, 9.

How does it benefit us to know that God's loyal love lasts forever? (Psalm 31:7).

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 the Lord for he is good; His loyal love lasts forever” (Ps. 136:1). In verses 2 to 26, the following refrain is repeated: “For 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 consistently. The phrase “for his loyal love endures forever” assures us that God's love for his people does not change. How it strengthens us to know that Jehovah is not quick to abandon his servants! Rather, he stands by those who serve him, especially in difficult times. How it benefits us: Knowing that Jehovah remains at our side gives us the joy and strength we need to face problems and continue walking on the path that leads to life. (Read Psalm 31:7.)

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

God's loyal love drives him to forgive. When Jehovah sees that someone is sorry for his sins and is trying to change, loyal love compels him to forgive him. In a psalm, David said of Jehovah: “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor has he 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 “willing to forgive.” In a prayer, David highlighted what drives Jehovah to forgive. (Read Psalm 86:5.) Indeed, Jehovah forgives because his loyal love for all who call upon him is immense.

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

If we commit a sin, it is good—and even healthy—for us to feel bad, as this can cause us to repent and take the necessary steps to correct our mistakes. But some servants of God have been overcome 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 will never be able to 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. Because? Because “the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). If we are discouraged by some shortcoming we have, let us remember that Jehovah is eager to forgive those who repent of their sins. Let's look at how David related loyal love and forgiveness. He wrote: “As high as the sky is above the earth, so immense is his loyal love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he placed our sins from us” (Ps. 103:11, 12). Without a doubt, Jehovah is willing to forgive us generously (Isa. 55:7).

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

God's loyal love protects us from any spiritual danger. In a prayer, David said to Jehovah: “You are a hiding place for me; You will protect me from anguish. You will surround me with joyful cries of deliverance.” And he added: “He who 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. Similarly, Jehovah's acts of loyal love are like a wall that protects us from any spiritual danger. Furthermore, because of his loyal love, Jehovah draws us to himself (Jer. 31:3).

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