For the month of February, I am highlighting some couples in the Bible that can direct us in our relationships today.
Ruth & Boaz- Honor
In the story of Ruth, in the book of Ruth, we learn that Ruth and her Mother In Law (from her husband who died in battle), are in poverty. Ruth tasked herself with gleaning from the fields in order to provide for them. This means, that in her poverty, she was allowed to follow after the harvesters of the crop in the fields to attempt to feed she and Naomi, if the owner of the field would allow it.
For years, every summer I would take my kids on an annual visit to the blueberry farm with a group of other moms and kids. The kids would run and chase between the bushes in the warm early summer sun while the moms talked about their best blueberry recipes and parenting tips. The kids would return to us with blue smudges all over their faces from picking berries as they ran through. There was one rule, don’t eat the berries that have fallen. Those berries may have bugs, worms, or mold and would almost certainly make your stomach sick.
This was Ruth’s existance.
Ruth chose a field of Boaz’s to glean.
Boaz saw the honor that Ruth showed to her Mother-in-law expressed through her hard work and commitment to the Lord, and allowed her to glean in his fields. He generously instructed her to continue in his fields and to drink from his wells. Boaz protected her and provided for her by commanding his workers to drop extra grain for her and not to bother her. Boaz communicated his admiration of her character and blessed her.
Ruth responded to his expression of honor towards her by showing her humble appreciation to him. She continued working his fields for months, at his expense, growing in trust of his faith, character, and provision for her. Eventually, she communicated that she would like for him to marry her. He acted immediately, doing all that was necessary in one day, to mercifully relieve her of her poverty.
Ruth and Boaz showed honor, humility, and appreciation for each other in word and action, which grew their trust and confidence in each other’s character.
They are a fantastic example for modern romantic relationships in both communication and dynamics!
Read the book of Ruth and take some notes for your relationship!
“Love each other with genuine affection, with brotherly love. and take delight in honoring each other.”