Lessons From Ruth

Ruth is such an incredible example for all women everywhere. In the book of Ruth, there are several lessons that can be drawn out . These lessons of a woman, worthy of praise, encouraged my heart and gave me new resolve in my faith. I hope they do the same for you.

 

Ruth Did What Was Right Without the Promise of Reward

After Ruth’s husband died, Ruth was given the choice between a secure future and a future built on faith. She chose faith. In Ruth 1:11-14, Naomi encourages Ruth to return to her people so they can give Ruth something Naomi cannot – a family. Here we see the uncomfortable aspect of faith. When we place our faith in God, we do not always see what the outcome is going to be. Sometimes the outcome may look pretty bleak. Faith trusts that, when we obey, God will work even the bleakest circumstances out for good as is promised in Romans 8:28,

 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

Too often, we get caught up in trying to work things out for ourselves. When we hit periods of waiting and see no hope of gain, we become restless. We fight against our human limits and keep trying to push forward. Failing to see that God is calling us to a place of surrender. Surrender to His will while trusting in His goodness. Later Boaz mentions that Ruth had come to take refuge in God. Where are we finding our refuge?

Ruth Gained Favor Through Good Character

Upon Naomi’s arrival home, the town is abuzz with talk of Naomi’s daughter-in-law who left her people to serve Naomi. In her interaction with Boaz, he mentions and praises Ruth for her kindness (Ruth 2:11-13). In chapter 3, Boaz states that everyone knows Ruth to be a worthy woman. (Ruth 3:11)

We are often tempted to find good favor through beauty, our social media posts, our career, and other fickle things. Ruth teaches young women the true beauty of life given to the service of God. Maybe that life does not get the most likes on social media. However, to the people who are blessed by it, it is invaluable. We all probably know Proverbs 31:30 which states,

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

How much time do we spend developing character?

 

She Acted on Good Advice

In chapter 3, Ruth makes more bold, uncomfortable moves. With Naomi’s advice, she proposes marriage to Boaz. How nerve racking would that be? Not only does this show Ruth’s courage, it also shows her willingness to regard good advice. In Proverbs Solomon mentions over and over again the value of wisdom.

In life we make many tough decisions. We do not have to make those decisions on our own. It is wise to reach out to mentors and ask for advice.

Are we willing to humbly submit to the advice of others?

It is tempting for us to look out in society to find a measure of what it means to be a strong woman. Through drawing out these lessons from Ruth, I realized that the Bible paints for us a picture of true strength and feminine beauty that no instagram story or TikTok can paint. As stated earlier, I hope you are encouraged by these lessons.

I would love to hear in the comments below some of your favorite aspects of the story of Ruth.