What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . While Judges is about breaking covenant and leaving torah, Ruth is about keeping covenant . Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. Ruth and Naomi were in a desperate situation. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. A secret relationship is a red flag. Many interpreters read Ruth as a happy-ending romance featuring Ruth, the beautiful young Moabite widow who captivated the heart of the older wealthy landowner Boaz. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. As much as is possible, try to get to know your significant other through the people he or she interacts with outside of your presence. Even though it may not make complete sense during the time its taking place, its important to recognize how God has and continues to change your life on a daily basis with His actions. The past is the past. But life was actually worst. All rights reserved. Because of Boaz's wise (perhaps shrewd) way of framing the occasion, this was the first time the nearer kinsman considered this, and it was a pretty big question to take in all at once. Ruth blesses Naomi with her friendship because Naomi never expected to have someone to hold onto after the loss of all the men in her life. Look out for a man who is willing to wait for you without pressure. Ruth made the best decision because she decided to hold the family together at all costs. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? He asked them to allow some to fall purposely for her. 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. It tells of a relationship between two women-Naomi, the senior of the two, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. The book of Ruth shines like a beautiful diamond against this bleak background. One day you will find your true love and all of the obstacles that you had to overcome will provide you with the strength for that love to withstand the test of time. Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. How a Man Should Treat a Woman According to God. Mary was a young virgin who was already engaged to Joseph when she became pregnant with Jesus, and she showed great courage in her willingness to bear the scorn and shame that came with a pregnancy that occurred before marriage. Life changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully present and engaged. The book of Ruth is a fascinating tale of romance, intrigue, loss, disobedience, and ultimately of faith. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! Go have babies. Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. Ruth was a poor, hurting, outcast, widow. What you are looking for is consistency. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. Monday, September 30, 2019. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . This was backbreaking work. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. Love works in mysterious ways. He knew this man well enough to know how he would respond to each part of the proposition. Just look at the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Site by Gretchen Louise. 1. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. Its easy to judge others and caste your own beliefs and judgment upon the way theyre living their life; however its important to be able to see both sides of the fence. He was wealthy. She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If we were to explore them all, this post would never end. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. Life is hard but when youre when youre outside of Gods will, its hard with a difference. 7 Beautiful Ways to a Better Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. every one on earth will fail. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. Through Naomi, Ruth learned about the God of Israel and chose to put her trust in him. Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. Subscribe today to receive our free Bible Study printables sent to your inbox. Naomi therefore had no idea that the hardships she was preparing to endure did not have to be her reality. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. Tamar resorted to trickery to bear a son. Naomi told the women, Go back home. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Because Ruth was a childless widow of a Hebrew male, she was entitled to remarriage from a member of Mahlons family. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. Freedom was a key aspect of their friendship. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Doing the right thing isnt always easy. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. 4:17). This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. Naomi became a mentor to her, teaching her the ways of the Hebrew people and walking with her through the process of securing Boaz as her kinsman (more on this later). Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. In the midst of any circumstances you face, in whatever relationships, we can trust God to bring good out of it. She admitted that she felt that God had dealt with her bitterly. But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. But Boaz was different. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. Ruth shows pure, boundless love to her mother-in-law. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. In fact, when she returns to Bethlehem, she tells everyone: Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. You will be surprised at how much growth will take place in your life and how much less the struggle to your next level will be. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. She was childless. In the Hebrew Bible, Ruth stands with the Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther; together they make up the Megillot, five scrolls that are read at prescribed times on Jewish religious festivals. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Go get married. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. Woven throughout, God's lovingkindness shines in each detail. He and his wife Naomi, along with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, left for Moab. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. These two sons married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. Elimelech left Bethlehem which means the house of bread, to Moab which means waste or nothing. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. Things will go faster and will be much better. 3) Servant Leaders Show Extraordinary Kindness. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. She owed nothing to Naomi, but instead gave her everything. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. But she didnt. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. 1. It is this famine that forces Elimelech to take his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chillion, to leave Bethlehem and live in Moab, a pagan community. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. Boaz did say that Ruth chose not to marry a young man. Ruth was a Moabite woman and was considered to be a foreigner in Judah, which was a huge deal in their culture at that time. It was later in the story that any signs of romantic love were expressed. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. Mrs. Mckinnel would stay at home, while her father was the type of person who saw well in everyone. The whole story of Ruth began on a heavy sad note but as Gods purpose is worked out, good things begin to happen. The two women shared great sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another. She doesnt come from a famous family. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? The title of kinsman had heavy responsibility. There was a law that provided this opportunity. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. 4:17). Lesson 3 - Working Isn't A Lack Of Blessing. Blessings occur seven times in the book of Ruth, from Naomi blessing both her daughters-in-law (1:8) and Boaz (2:19-20), to Boaz's casual blessing of his workers (2:4) and deeper blessing of Ruth (3:10), and climactically to the women blessing the Lord for the birth of the child (4:14). Learn how your comment data is processed. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. And they respond with similar pleasantries. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. As we see in Ruth 1:16, Ruth chose that she will serve the God of Naomi even to the point of death as she had fully resolved and purposed in her heart. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi is a reflection of the faithful love of God offered to Israel and to us in the gift of covenant. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. Do you have a mentor? Moab was a place that most Israelites didnt like. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. And Ruth, she also lost her husband. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. Their . 4. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. First, Elimelech dies then both Mahlon and Chillion die. Ruth took advantage of what was available to her. Use our Ruth Bible study guide to discover life transforming lessons on relationships, depression, and providence in this story of love and redemption. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Respond to each part of the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their offers. Hard but when youre outside of Gods will, its even harder this characteristic. Other days when you succeed in every aspect Naomi and her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow Naomi, is! Child they named Obed her relationship with Ruth and Boaz got married and single people can from! Have a forgiving heart changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully and! 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