Love, Generosity, and Redemption: Lessons from Ruth and Boaz

 

Summary

Today, I explored the profound themes of love, generosity, and redemption through the lens of the Book of Ruth, focusing particularly on the interactions between Ruth and Boaz. This sermon delved into the characteristics that define a "keeper" in relationships, drawing parallels between our earthly relationships and our spiritual relationship with Christ.

The sermon began by setting the stage with Ruth's situation, a widow in a foreign land, who chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, demonstrating loyalty and faithfulness. This act of devotion set the tone for the entire narrative, highlighting Ruth's character and godly conviction.

As we moved into the heart of Ruth's story, her encounter with Boaz on his field was central. Boaz, aware of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her hardworking nature, showed her favor and protection. This wasn't just a simple act of kindness; it was a reflection of a godly character, recognizing and rewarding Ruth's faithfulness. Boaz's actions went beyond societal expectations, illustrating how true godly character involves proactive generosity and care.

The sermon emphasized the importance of seeing beyond the superficial in relationships. Boaz valued Ruth for her loyalty and integrity, not just her outward appearance or her social status as a foreigner. This teaches us to appreciate and seek out these deeper qualities in others and ourselves.

Furthermore, the relationship between Ruth and Boaz was portrayed as a model of how godly love manifests. It's not just about romantic gestures but about a profound commitment to acting with integrity, kindness, and generosity. Boaz's treatment of Ruth with respect and honor, and his eventual role as her redeemer, parallels our relationship with Christ, who redeems us and calls us to live lives marked by love and grace.

In conclusion, the story of Ruth and Boaz challenges us to reflect on our own relationships. Are we people of integrity, kindness, and generosity? Do we seek these qualities in others? The narrative invites us to be keepers, not just in romantic relationships but in all our interactions, mirroring the love and redemption Christ offers us.

### Key Takeaways:
1. True Character in Action: Boaz’s recognition of Ruth’s loyalty and hard work exemplifies the importance of character in relationships. True character is shown through actions, not just words. Boaz not only noticed Ruth’s qualities but also rewarded them, setting a standard for how we should act towards others. [23:38]

2. Generosity as a Reflection of God’s Love: Boaz’s generosity towards Ruth, allowing her to gather grain freely and providing for her beyond the minimum required, reflects a heart aligned with God’s generosity towards us. This teaches us that our generosity should extend beyond obligation to genuine care and abundance. [41:58]

3. Redemption Through Grace: Boaz acted as a redeemer for Ruth, a role that went beyond societal expectations and was driven by grace. This mirrors the redemption Jesus offers us, not because of our actions but because of His grace. Understanding this can transform how we view our worth and interactions with others. [44:43]

4. The Importance of Seeking Godly Qualities: The story of Ruth and Boaz emphasizes the importance of valuing godly qualities in relationships. This challenges us to look beyond superficial attributes and appreciate deeper values such as faithfulness, kindness, and generosity. [25:04]

5. Communication and Kindness in Relationships: Effective communication and kindness are pivotal in building strong relationships. Boaz’s kind words to Ruth not only comforted her but also built a foundation of trust and respect. This teaches us the power of words in nurturing relationships. [32:12]

### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [12:33] - Introduction to Ruth's Story
- [14:03] - Exploring True Love
- [18:10] - Qualities to Look for in Relationships
- [20:58] - Ruth's Encounter with Boaz
- [25:04] - Godly Conviction and Character
- [30:57] - Communication in Relationships
- [37:44] - Demonstrating Care and Compassion
- [41:58] - Boaz's Generosity
- [44:43] - Boaz as a Redeemer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ruth 2:10-12 (NIV)
> "At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, 'Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?' Boaz replied, 'I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.'"

2. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
> "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

3. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
> "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Boaz take to show kindness and generosity to Ruth? ([20:58])
2. How did Ruth respond to Boaz's kindness and generosity? ([29:28])
3. What qualities did Boaz recognize in Ruth that made her stand out? ([25:04])
4. According to Proverbs 18:21, what power does the tongue hold?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Boaz recognized Ruth's loyalty and hard work? How does this reflect godly character? ([23:38])
2. How does Boaz's prayer for Ruth in Ruth 2:12 demonstrate his understanding of godly relationships?
3. In what ways does Proverbs 18:21 relate to the way Boaz spoke to Ruth and his workers? ([33:42])
4. How does Ephesians 4:29 challenge us to use our words in our relationships?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness. How did it impact you, and how can you show similar kindness to others? ([22:20])
2. Boaz valued Ruth for her loyalty and integrity rather than her outward appearance. How can you apply this principle in your own relationships? ([18:10])
3. Boaz's generosity went beyond societal expectations. In what ways can you practice generosity in your daily life? ([41:58])
4. Ruth and Boaz's relationship was built on mutual respect and kindness. How can you cultivate these qualities in your current relationships? ([29:28])
5. Boaz used his words to build up and encourage Ruth. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement. What specific words can you use to build them up this week? ([33:42])
6. Boaz prayed for Ruth, recognizing her as belonging to God first. How can you incorporate prayer into your relationships to honor God and support others? ([28:00])
7. Reflect on the qualities of a "keeper" discussed in the sermon. Which quality do you feel you need to develop more in your life, and what steps can you take to grow in this area? ([19:32])

Devotional

Day 1: Character Revealed Through Actions
True character in relationships is demonstrated by consistent actions that align with godly virtues. Boaz’s recognition and reward of Ruth’s loyalty and hard work serve as a profound example of how true character is not merely about words but about actions that reflect one’s values. This story encourages us to embody the qualities we admire in others and to act in ways that are consistent with our beliefs and commitments. By doing so, we set a standard for how we should interact with and treat others, fostering relationships built on mutual respect and integrity. [23:38]

"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: Reflect on your actions in recent relationships. Are they a true reflection of your character and the values you hold dear?

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Day 2: Generosity Mirrors Divine Love
Generosity should extend beyond mere obligation; it should be a reflection of the abundance of God’s love. Boaz’s actions towards Ruth, allowing her to gather grain freely and providing for her needs generously, exemplify a heart aligned with divine generosity. This teaches us that our acts of giving should stem from a place of genuine care and abundance, aiming not just to meet minimum expectations but to truly enrich the lives of others. [41:58]

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice more intentional and abundant generosity in your community this week?

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Day 3: Redemption Rooted in Grace
Boaz’s role as a redeemer for Ruth, going beyond societal norms and driven by grace, mirrors the redemption offered to us through Jesus Christ. This act of redemption is not based on our merits but on His grace, challenging us to view our worth and our interactions with others through the lens of divine grace. Understanding and accepting this can profoundly transform how we perceive ourselves and how we engage with others. [44:43]

"In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you extend grace to those who may not meet your expectations, just as Christ has done for you?

---

Day 4: Seeking Deeper Qualities in Relationships
The story of Ruth and Boaz emphasizes the importance of valuing deeper, godly qualities in our relationships. This narrative invites us to look beyond superficial attributes and appreciate virtues such as faithfulness, kindness, and generosity. By prioritizing these qualities, we can build relationships that are more fulfilling and reflective of our spiritual values. [25:04]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What godly qualities do you most seek in others, and how can you cultivate these in yourself?

---

Day 5: The Power of Kind Words in Relationships
Effective communication and kindness are pivotal in building and sustaining strong relationships. Boaz’s kind and encouraging words to Ruth not only comforted her but also laid a foundation of trust and respect. This teaches us the significant impact our words can have in nurturing relationships and building connections that are grounded in mutual respect and understanding. [32:12]

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a relationship that could benefit from kinder communication. What will you say to improve this relationship today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "What creates greater intimacy between Kim and I? Greatest thing that creates intimacy is communication. When she knows what's going on inside of me, when I open up and I share with her. You want to know if you're a keeper? Consistently use your words to build up and to encourage." [32:12]( | | )

2. "You want to know a rewarding thing in life? Finding a stranger and blessing a stranger, expecting nothing in return. You want to know that's a rewarding thing in life, right? And when it's done to you, it's overwhelming. You don't even hardly know what to do with it." [22:20]( | | )

3. "Generosity is not stingy. You never want to be around a person that's buying you dinner while they're thinking to themselves, how much did you spend for me to decide whether I was going to buy you dinner? No. You want somebody at the very beginning that says, I'm buying you dinner, and it doesn't matter what you do." [44:43]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "True character in action is not just about noticing someone's good qualities but also rewarding them. Boaz not only noticed Ruth’s qualities but also rewarded them, setting a standard for how we should act towards others." [23:38]( | | )

2. "Boaz’s generosity towards Ruth, allowing her to gather grain freely and providing for her beyond the minimum required, reflects a heart aligned with God’s generosity towards us. This teaches us that our generosity should extend beyond obligation to genuine care and abundance." [41:58]( | | )

3. "Boaz acted as a redeemer for Ruth, a role that went beyond societal expectations and was driven by grace. This mirrors the redemption Jesus offers us, not because of our actions but because of His grace." [44:43]( | | )

4. "The importance of seeking godly qualities is highlighted in how Boaz valued Ruth for her loyalty and integrity, not just her outward appearance or her social status as a foreigner. This teaches us to appreciate and seek out these deeper qualities in others and ourselves." [25:04]( | | )

5. "Effective communication and kindness are pivotal in building strong relationships. Boaz’s kind words to Ruth not only comforted her but also built a foundation of trust and respect. This teaches us the power of words in nurturing relationships." [32:12]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?