Biblical Love: A Call to Selfless Commitment

 

Summary

Today, we gathered around the story of Ruth and Boaz to explore what it truly means to love as Christ loves. In a world that often defines love as a fleeting feeling or personal pleasure, we are called to something deeper—biblical love. This love is not just an emotion, but a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional commitment to the well-being of others, rooted in the very character of God. The story of Boaz, a man of integrity and compassion, offers us a living example of this kind of love in action.

Boaz’s actions toward Ruth, a vulnerable foreign widow, reveal a love that notices the overlooked, protects the weak, and acts with generosity and honor. He does not exploit Ruth’s vulnerability, but instead upholds her dignity, even when no one is watching. Boaz’s willingness to take on the role of kinsman redeemer—assuming legal, financial, and relational responsibility for Ruth and Naomi—demonstrates a love that is not only sacrificial but also covenantal. He steps into a complicated situation, risking his own inheritance and reputation, simply because it is the right and loving thing to do.

This story is not just about ancient customs; it is a foreshadowing of the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who enters into our brokenness, takes on our burdens, and brings us into his family through sacrificial love. Boaz’s example challenges us to reflect Christ’s love in our own lives: to show kindness to the vulnerable, act with integrity, take responsibility even when it costs us, and be a redeeming presence in our communities.

As we pursue our vision of thousands of gospel conversations, we must remember that sharing the good news is not just a strategy, but an act of love. When we are rooted in biblical love, our words and actions naturally overflow with the hope, truth, and freedom found in Christ. Let us be people whose love compels us to serve, to speak, and to live out the gospel in every relationship and every conversation.

Key Takeaways

- Biblical love is not defined by fleeting emotions or personal gain, but by a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional commitment to the well-being of others. This love is rooted in God’s own character and is best exemplified in Christ’s sacrifice for us. To love like Christ is to choose the good of others, even when it costs us something deeply personal. [32:35]

- Boaz’s compassion for Ruth teaches us to notice and care for the vulnerable and overlooked in our midst. He goes beyond what is required, offering protection, provision, and blessing to someone who could offer him nothing in return. True love acts for the benefit of others, especially those who cannot repay us, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized. [41:54]

- Integrity and honor in relationships are non-negotiable for those who follow Christ. Boaz refuses to exploit Ruth’s vulnerability, instead protecting her reputation and acting with righteousness, even in private. Our love for others must be marked by respect, purity, and a commitment to honor God in every interaction, both seen and unseen. [48:48]

- Taking responsibility, even when it is inconvenient or costly, is a hallmark of Christlike love. Boaz steps into a complicated situation, risking his own inheritance and comfort to redeem Ruth and Naomi. We are called to invest in the long-term good of others, not just our own short-term gain, embodying a love that is committed and dependable. [55:39]

- To be a redeeming presence means to bring restoration, hope, and reconciliation wherever we go. Boaz’s actions restore a broken family line and point to the greater redemption found in Christ. Our lives should be marked by a willingness to heal, to listen, and to share the hope of the gospel, allowing Christ’s love to overflow into every conversation and relationship. [01:04:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:20] - Announcements and Vision for Family Discipleship
[30:34] - Introducing the “Vocabulary of the Faithful” Series
[31:20] - Worldly vs. Biblical Definitions of Love
[32:35] - The Nature of Biblical Love
[33:44] - A Message to Men: Understanding Love through Boaz
[35:39] - Ruth’s Loyalty and the Ancient Context
[37:41] - Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field
[40:18] - Boaz’s Compassion and Protection
[41:54] - Generosity and Blessing in Action
[45:47] - Ruth’s Bold Request and the Kinsman Redeemer
[47:52] - Boaz’s Integrity and Respect
[49:58] - Speaking Honorably of Others
[51:21] - Boaz Redeems Ruth Publicly
[54:57] - Boaz’s Initiative and Sacrificial Love
[56:54] - Boaz as a Foreshadowing of Christ
[01:00:05] - Applying Boaz’s Love in Our Lives
[01:07:06] - Love Compels Gospel Conversations
[01:08:15] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Loving Like Boaz, Loving Like Christ

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### Bible Reading

- Ruth 2:1–16 (Boaz shows kindness and protection to Ruth)
- Ruth 3:1–13 (Ruth’s bold request and Boaz’s integrity)
- Ruth 4:1–12 (Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi’s family line)

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### Observation Questions

1. When Boaz first meets Ruth in his field, what specific actions does he take to ensure her safety and well-being? ([40:18])
2. How does Boaz respond to Ruth’s request at the threshing floor, and what does this reveal about his character? ([47:52])
3. What public steps does Boaz take to redeem Ruth and Naomi, and why is it significant that he does this in front of the town elders? ([53:07])
4. According to the sermon, what is the meaning of the term “kinsman redeemer,” and what responsibilities did it include in ancient Israel? ([45:47])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Boaz go beyond what is required by law in his treatment of Ruth? What does this say about the difference between following rules and living out biblical love? ([41:54])
2. The sermon describes Boaz’s love as “covenantal” and “sacrificial.” How is this different from the way our culture often defines love? ([32:35])
3. Boaz risks his own inheritance and reputation to redeem Ruth and Naomi. What might motivate someone to take such a risk for others? ([55:39])
4. The story of Boaz is described as a “foreshadowing” of Christ. In what ways does Boaz’s role as redeemer help us understand what Jesus has done for us? ([56:54])

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### Application Questions

1. Boaz noticed Ruth, a vulnerable and overlooked person, and took action to help her. Who in your life or community might be overlooked or vulnerable right now? What is one practical way you could show kindness or support to them this week? ([41:54])
2. Boaz acted with integrity and honor, even when no one was watching. Are there areas in your relationships—at home, work, or church—where you are tempted to cut corners or act selfishly? What would it look like to choose integrity in those moments? ([48:48])
3. The sermon challenges us to take responsibility for others, even when it’s inconvenient or costly. Can you think of a recent situation where you avoided helping because it was inconvenient? How might you respond differently next time? ([55:39])
4. Boaz’s love was not based on what he could get from Ruth, but on what he could give. Are there relationships in your life where you tend to focus on your own needs or desires? What is one way you could shift your focus to the well-being of the other person? ([32:35])
5. The story of Boaz and Ruth is about being a “redeeming presence”—bringing hope and restoration. Is there a broken relationship or situation in your life where you could be a peacemaker or bring healing? What first step could you take? ([01:04:25])
6. The sermon says that sharing the gospel is an act of love, not just a strategy. Who is someone in your life who needs to hear about the hope you have in Christ? What is one way you could start a gospel conversation with them this week? ([01:07:06])
7. Boaz’s actions were rooted in God’s character, not just his own feelings. What spiritual practices or habits help you stay rooted in God’s love so that you can love others well, even when it’s hard? ([32:35])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you notice the overlooked, act with integrity, take responsibility, and be a redeeming presence in your relationships and community, just as Boaz did—and as Christ has done for us.

Devotional

Day 1: Love Beyond Feelings—A Covenant Commitment to Others
True biblical love transcends fleeting emotions and personal gain. It is a deliberate, selfless, and sacrificial commitment to the well-being of others, rooted deeply in the character of God. This love chooses the good of others even when it costs us something deeply personal. It is not a mere feeling but a covenantal decision to act in the best interest of those around us, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. When love is understood this way, it reshapes how we relate to others, calling us to a higher standard of faithfulness and care. [32:35]

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9-10 ESV)

Reflection: In what specific relationship today can you choose to show a sacrificial, unconditional commitment rather than responding based on your feelings or convenience?



Day 2: Seeing the Overlooked—Compassion for the Vulnerable
Boaz’s compassion for Ruth reveals a love that notices those who are often ignored or marginalized. He goes beyond what is required, offering protection, provision, and blessing to someone who could offer him nothing in return. This kind of love reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable and calls us to actively seek out and care for those who cannot repay us. True love acts for the benefit of others, especially the overlooked, demonstrating generosity and kindness that mirror God’s own compassion. [41:54]

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community or church feels overlooked or vulnerable, and what is one practical way you can show them compassion this week?



Day 3: Integrity in Love—Honoring Others in Every Moment
Boaz’s integrity shines through in his refusal to exploit Ruth’s vulnerability. He protects her reputation and acts with honor, even when no one else is watching. This teaches that love must be marked by respect, purity, and a commitment to honor God in every interaction. Integrity in relationships is non-negotiable for those who follow Christ. Our love must be consistent and righteous, reflecting God’s holiness and care for others in both public and private moments. [48:48]

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent interaction—did your words and actions honor the other person and God? How can you cultivate greater integrity in your relationships starting today?



Day 4: Costly Responsibility—Choosing Others Over Convenience
Boaz’s willingness to step into a complicated and risky situation to redeem Ruth and Naomi shows a love that takes responsibility even when it is inconvenient or costly. This kind of love invests in the long-term good of others rather than seeking short-term gain. It is dependable, committed, and sacrificial. Followers of Christ are called to embody this love by stepping up to serve and protect others, even when it requires personal sacrifice or risk. [55:39]

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV)

Reflection: What is one responsibility or burden you have been avoiding because it feels inconvenient or costly? How might embracing it be an act of Christlike love?



Day 5: Redeeming Presence—Bringing Restoration and Hope
To be a redeeming presence means to bring restoration, hope, and reconciliation wherever we go. Boaz’s actions restored a broken family line and pointed forward to the greater redemption found in Christ. Our lives should be marked by a willingness to heal wounds, listen deeply, and share the hope of the gospel. When Christ’s love overflows through us, every conversation and relationship becomes an opportunity for restoration and grace. [01:04:25]

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 ESV)

Reflection: Identify one broken or strained relationship in your life—what is one step you can take this week to bring hope, healing, or reconciliation into that relationship?

Quotes

Biblical love is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional commitment to the well -being of others, rooted in the character of God himself. It goes beyond feelings or attraction. It is a deliberate choice to act in the best interest of others, regardless of personal cost. The Bible describes this love most fully in 1 Corinthians 13, where love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, and rejoices in truth. [00:32:00] (35 seconds)


This is really a beautiful passage. When we start really unpacking Boaz and his interaction with Ruth, we're going to see from the very beginning, he starts to show compassion and kindness. Number one, he noticed, sorry, Boaz notices Ruth, a foreigner and a widow gleaning in his field. Rather than ignoring her, he shows her chesed love. That is a Hebrew concept of steadfast love and loyalty. It runs deep. This isn't something casual. And he begins to demonstrate that. He does that by ensuring her protection by telling the men not to harm her. [00:40:30] (45 seconds)


And then at the end of this passage, he speaks a blessing over her, affirming her decision to stay with Naomi and seek refuge in Israel. Isn't that funny? Of all the things he could have done, here's this foreign woman, a stranger who he does not know at this point. And he's protecting her. He's providing for her. And the last thing he does, and I'm going to give you a blessing. May the Lord bless you. Right? May he give you full wages. May he take care of you. [00:42:57] (39 seconds)


It's a very important word. A kinsman redeemer is a male relative in ancient Israel law who had the responsibility to help and protect family members in times of need. This role included redeeming, buying back property that a relative had sold due to poverty, marrying a widow to preserve the family line, and even arranging by force if a family member was killed. [00:47:19] (33 seconds)


When Ruth approaches Boaz at night and essentially proposes, asking him to be her kinsman redeemer, he responds honorably. Right? He doesn't take advantage of the situation. That leads us into the next point. He doesn't take advantage of her vulnerability. [00:48:13] (20 seconds)


Boaz respected Ruth's dignity, even when in private, even in the most vulnerable moment. In our relationships, romantic or otherwise, we can always practice hospitality, faithfulness, and respect. We should treat people with respect. [01:01:11] (22 seconds)


Always uphold boundaries and purity, valuing people for who they are, not what we can get from them. People are not commodities. They're God's creation. [01:02:25] (16 seconds)


Boaz fulfills this role for Ruth and Naomi, acting out of love, faithfulness, and obedience to God's law, ultimately pointing to God himself as the ultimate redeemer who rescues and restores his people. [00:54:26] (20 seconds)


We can be an advocate for people who don't have a voice in systems or society. Biblical love notices the overlooked and takes action. [01:00:15] (16 seconds)


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Transcript
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