The Character of Ruth

The Character of Ruth
Bitter to Better
Ruth 1:16‭-‬17 NKJV
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”

Ruth was a foreigner who chose to let go of her homeland to follow Naomi and to serve the God of Israel. Her devotion and commitment to her mother-in-law was impeccable. She teaches us the value of commitment when she makes her famous statement, which is our key scripture. Not only does she commit to her mother-in-law, but she also makes a commitment to the God of Israel, and from then henceforth the trajectory of her life changes.
Ruth was submissive, humble, and teachable. She asks Naomi to allow her to go to the fields to glean heads of grain, and Naomi prays that she may find favour. Remember, she is a foreigner in this land and she knows no one.

Ruth was also a hard worker and a woman with a compassionate heart. When she went out to glean from the field of Boaz, she worked the whole day, and the servants gave testimony of that.
Ruth was a woman of faith, and she eventually became the great grandmother of David, the greatest king of Israel.
Her character should be an example to us all that when we humble ourselves and stay committed and loyal to the ways of God, when we work hard and have compassion for others, then God’s favour will follow us and doors will be opened for us just like it was done for Ruth.

Reflections.
Ruth left Moab and its ways completely. Have you left the ways of the world completely?
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Which of Ruth’s character traits is lacking in your life?
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What must you do to attain this character trait?
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