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Continue Showing Loyal Love to One AnotherThe Watchtower (Study)—2021 | November
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9. Why did Naomi conclude that Jehovah was opposing her?
9 In the book of Ruth, we read the story of Naomi, her daughter-in-law Ruth, and a God-fearing man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband. Because of a famine in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and two sons moved to Moab. While there, Naomi’s husband died. Her two sons got married, but sadly, they too died. (Ruth 1:3-5; 2:1) Those blows caused Naomi to sink deeper and deeper into despair. She became so overwhelmed by anguish that she concluded that Jehovah was opposing her. Note how she expressed her feelings about God: “The hand of Jehovah has turned against me.” “The Almighty has made life very bitter for me.” She also said: “It is Jehovah who opposed me and the Almighty who caused me calamity.”—Ruth 1:13, 20, 21.
10. How did Jehovah react to Naomi’s bitter words?
10 How did Jehovah react to Naomi’s bitter words? He did not turn against his distraught servant. On the contrary, he showed empathy for her. Jehovah understands that “oppression can drive the wise one into madness.” (Eccl. 7:7) Still, Naomi needed help in order to see that Jehovah was on her side. What help did God provide? (1 Sam. 2:8) He moved Ruth to reach out and show loyal love to Naomi. Willingly and gently, Ruth helped her mother-in-law to regain her emotional and spiritual balance.
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Continue Showing Loyal Love to One AnotherThe Watchtower (Study)—2021 | November
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18. What must have been painful for Ruth?
18 Do not take it personally. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi met her former neighbors. She told them: “I was full when I went, but Jehovah made me return empty-handed.” (Ruth 1:21) Imagine how Ruth must have felt on hearing those words from Naomi! Ruth had gone out of her way to help Naomi. Ruth had wept with her, comforted her, and walked with her for days on end. Despite all of this, Naomi said: “Jehovah made me return empty-handed.” With those words, Naomi did not even acknowledge the support of Ruth, who was standing next to her. How painful that must have been for Ruth! Yet, she stuck with Naomi.
19. What will help us to stick with someone who is distressed?
19 Application: Today, a sister in distress may initially speak to us in a hurtful way—despite all our efforts to help her. But we try not to take it personally. We stick with our sister who is in need, and we ask Jehovah to help us find a way to bring her comfort.—Prov. 17:17.
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