I am currently living in the land of teenagers, and within that privileged territory, I get to engage in some lively conversation around the dinner table each night. Shallow topics can range anywhere from food (and the fact that they’re always hungry!) to the latest shoe trends, but hang in there long enough and the theme of relationships almost always rises to the surface. One thing my boys are noticing lately – the seeming lack of loyalty in relationships around them. It’s no secret that changes throughout the teenage years can often result in self-focus, fickle feelings, shifts in friendship groups, and short-lived romantic interests.
Unfortunately, the absence of loyalty isn’t just exclusive to the teenage years.
We live in a world with distorted views on loyalty. From staggering divorce rates, decreasing job longevity, and even a trending lack of commitment to the local church, the priority the world places on personal convenience and fulfillment has resulted in a too-close-for-comfort familiarity with the words predicted in 2 Timothy 3: “Men will be lovers of themselves . . . disloyal, having no natural affection… betrayers…”
That’s why the story of Ruth is so captivating.
In the first chapter – right smack in the middle of personal tragedy – Ruth introduces us to a kind of loyal love that can be a rare find in human relationships. The Hebrew word for this sacrificial, steadfast, unmerited, lovingkindness is hesed, and it’s become for me one of the most precious words in the Bible.
On the road toward Naomi’s return to her homeland, her daughters-in-law must make the difficult decision to stay or to go with the old woman they have grown to love deeply. It would make more sense for Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab – their family ties were in the place they had called home their entire lives, and their chances for remarriage were greater there. In Israel it was doubtful that the young widows would find husbands, and to be a childless widow during this time was considered to be among the lowest of social classes.
Just when it seemed like their lives couldn’t get any lower…
Orpah ultimately makes the heart-wrenching decision to stay in Moab, but Ruth clung to Naomi as she promised that Naomi’s people would be her people and Naomi’s God would be her God. From the world’s perspective, Ruth had nothing to gain and everything to lose, but bold faith and loyal love often require a pursuit of the road less traveled.
Ruth demonstrates hesed toward Naomi – a loyal, merciful love that is extended to someone weaker – which leads us to the theme of the entire book of Ruth: God’s enduring hesed love for wanderers like us.
As we study the book of Ruth together, be on the constant lookout for the depth of God’s loyal love as He orchestrates events and details in lives as only He can. Chapter by chapter and verse by verse, intentionally look for His grace-filled, ever-present, never-changing, always-staying, fully-redeeming, unconditional love to those who had initially strayed from Him.
And then let’s let God’s hesed toward us change us from the inside out, and – like Ruth – cause us to pass onto others what our loving Father has so graciously extended to us.
This is gospel-living.
This is being Jesus’s hands and feet to the world…
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His [hesed] love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1
At His feet,
*Let’s talk: Who in your life needs God’s hesed today through your gift of lovingkindness?
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Stunning…Such love…
Yes, Gabi! So glad you are here with us. God Bless You!
Good Father by Christ Tomlin comes to mind as well as Reckless by Cory Asbury
Seeing God’s Hand of GRACE has been what has stood out to me as I read through the Book of Ruth once again! Even though those involved in this account belie the fact that the men and head woman in the family were worshippers of the One True God, we can still see His moving in hearts and lives! And Boaz, the thoughtful, gentle, generous kinsman Redeemer so reminds me of my Redeemer, Jesus, Who is love itself wrapped up in a Suffering Savior Who one day will become the Ruler, the Prince of Peace! I stand amazed in His Presence! Thank you for this wonderful study, as always! I pray and ask your prayers for the five new ladies who joined our group to fall in love more and more each day with Him as the rest of us have learned from the several studies we’ve been through together. May the Lord bless all who participate, facilitate, and lead in this exceptional ministry to women’s hearts! ❤️
Hi pat! Glad your back and sharing with new people! I like be how the LGG studies touch the lives of women everywhere. Prayers to you and your group!
Mondee ~ LGG Encourager
I wondered if anyone had a space left in their Facebook group?
There ARE some groups left with space, Elizabeth! And, we would love to have you join! If you check out the blog post at http://lovegodgreatly.com/join-lgg-group-ruth-study/, Greer has a comment with some links to open groups. I pray that God will bless you as you study Ruth with us!
Thank you Elizabeth! I joined one on the list! Yay!
Awesome! So glad you have joined the study!
Thank you again for another very good study. Until this week, I never really understood the scope of Elimelek and Naomi’s sin when they departed the land and went to Moab. What an eye opener. God’s hand was with Naomi and Ruth as they ventured back to Bethlehem. His Grace! Oh, how wonderful He is.
Susan,
We are so glad you are here with us today. Isn’t this a great book to study? God is always working behind the scenes, and it is simply amazing to see how His plans unfold!
I don’t see where scripture states that Elimelek was out of the will of God. What are you basing this on in scripture?
My mother in law Jessie feels very lonely and like she is a burden to us during her stay with us. I will be praying for her to feel God’s love, mercy and grace.
Millie, thank you for joining us and prayers for you and your family during this time.
I am not sure who in my life needs Gods hesed. However, I am opening my heart and mind as asking God to show me or make it known to me who may be in need. I know I have a few people close to me going through some difficult times and I know they could be reminded of God’s love and I try to encourage them and remind them daily of such.
Rose, prayers for you as you continue to be there and pray for those around you. You never know how God is working in your life. Thank you so much for joining us.
Hesed love. Such a beautiful word. From now on, I will strive to exhibit that kind of love to each person I come in contact with. I may not know what a person may be struggling with, but my selfless act of kindness and love could not only brighten their day and spirit, but also turn their life to Christ. As the devotional states, I must be Jesus’ hands and feet to the world. Love everyone unconditionally and with my whole heart. Help when I can . Be bold in my faith – unwavering.
Diera,
Yes, it is a beautiful word! I love your goal of showing unconditionally love and kindness to others. What a beautiful way to serve and minister to others! So glad you are joining us. God Bless You!
It’s so wonderful to hear the story of Ruth.. It’s inspired me again to have loveing kindness for people. In this world it’s so hard to always have hesed love for people.
We are constantly let down from others. But the world would be a much better place if we all are willing to let the Lord teach and trust that He will help us to become more loving, caring, selfless, and loyal to one another . Excited to be a part of this study and looking forward to see the work the Lord is going to do in my heart and life..
I moved in with my mother in law when I married my husband.. I wish I had this study at that time.. I showed my mother in law grace at times but I’m sure in my heart I was not so loving… My mother in law died a few years ago and I was with her at the end and was able to help her family understand her last wishes but I am truly sorry I did’nt always have the right heart towards her
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Wow! Where do I start? My husband passed away 3 weeks ago. He was 59. I miss him so greatly. I have been a Christian since 2008 but my participation in my faith has waned. I haven’t been to church as much as I should have been. Sometimes my husband and I would watch church services on the TV but many times it was just skipped. I am now looking forward to going back to church and getting involved. This Bible study and Ruth is the first time I have opened the Bible in a very long time. I have prayed to God daily for the last year to get me through the hospice experience and his death but I feel like I should have leaned more fully on the word. As in Ruth, I feel like my world has collapsed around me but I look forward to rebuilding with God’s help.
Hello dear. I am so sorry about your husband’s passing. I can’t imagine what you are going through now. But I know our God is more than able to take you through his period. Like Ruth He will turn your story into joy and gladness. You just hold on to Him. Lord, in Jesus name please be with your daughter. She needs you. May she run to you daily for all she needs. In Jesus name. Amen.
Hello! I signed up for the Ruth study but I’m wondering if there are any more Facebook groups available? Thank you!