Ruth
In Ruth 1:16–17, Ruth tells Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.“
The story of Ruth in the Bible shows that the relationship between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law was one of loyalty and affection. Loyalty is the key ingredient in any relationship that lasts for a lifetime. Loyalty is rare between mothers and daughters. But we will see why Ruth’s loyalty made her the envy of most women in her days and presently.
Ruth’s winning streaks in finding a good man was first seen in how she took care of her mother-in-law after they both tragically lost their husbands. Someone said, “Some people aren’t loyal to you. They are loyal to their need of you. Once their needs change, so does their loyalty.” Ruth’s loyalty and unconditional love for her mother-in-law led her to finding Boaz a wonderful husband.
Boaz was moved by Ruth’s selflessness towards Naomi an aged widow. We are not perfect, nor does God expect us to be but you are either completely loyal or not loyal at all even if your situations change. You can’t be loyal only when it works for you. How you speak and treat others are being observed by your admirers.
I began to ponder how many modern day ‘Ruth’ have missed a once in a lifetime Ruth and Boaz romance by their arrogance and selfishness. I saw this quote that said, “Speak to people in a way that if they died the next day you would be satisfied with the last thing you said to them.” If you are pursuing a healthy romance start being loyal to those around you.
Maintain positive behaviors. Develop healthy relationships, respect, and communication with your mothers. Take responsibility for your own actions they speak louder than your beauty. You don’t have to chase a Boaz – a Boaz will chase you.
Your independence and freedom to move on with your own life should not come at a cost of you neglecting and disrespecting those who have invested in you.
True love is not ‘couple goals’ for social media posts. True love is waking up in the middle of the night to help your sick mother or mother-in-law. It’s giving her a shoulder to cry on. True loyalty is accepting that life changes as you grow older, but the memories will bring back the laughter.
True love is showing by your actions that no matter what happens your loved ones will never be alone.
Ruth worked very hard in the fields to provide enough barley to sell and to keep some for her and Naomi. In all your getting – get a man that will treat you right for a lifetime and not a night. Be loyal and a good man better known as a ‘keeper’ will come knocking at your door. Walk away from anyone who does not see your worth. Walk away from clowns.
Be brave enough to heal yourself even when it hurts.
Amazing Grace 