Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”
Boaz replied. “I know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
Thought for Today
The love and care that Ruth had pledged toward her mother-in-law, Naomi, had gotten people talking. When she went out to pick the leftovers from the fields Boaz commanded his workers to leave plenty behind for Ruth because of her kindness to Naomi. This is the chain of kindness that God rejoices to see playout among His people. He provides for Naomi by keeping Ruth with her. He provides for Ruth by bringing her to Boaz’s fields. He provides an abundant harvest for Boaz so there is plenty to share. I have often found this kind of blessing happen among God’s people. One act of kindness engenders another. Sometimes it is people “paying it forward.” Other times people do something unusual but greatly needed. The one thing all of these acts of kindness have in common is that everyone feels good about it afterward. That is a rare thing today. For whom can you provide a special act of kindness today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for all of the people You have used to show Your love and care to me. Help me to be that person for someone else today. Amen.
Devotional Quote
I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness. ― Mother Teresa
Quote of the Day
Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. ― Desmond Tutu
Ruth: A Story of Real Joy 2
Ruth 2:10-12
Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”
Boaz replied. “I know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
Thought for Today
The love and care that Ruth had pledged toward her mother-in-law, Naomi, had gotten people talking. When she went out to pick the leftovers from the fields Boaz commanded his workers to leave plenty behind for Ruth because of her kindness to Naomi. This is the chain of kindness that God rejoices to see playout among His people. He provides for Naomi by keeping Ruth with her. He provides for Ruth by bringing her to Boaz’s fields. He provides an abundant harvest for Boaz so there is plenty to share. I have often found this kind of blessing happen among God’s people. One act of kindness engenders another. Sometimes it is people “paying it forward.” Other times people do something unusual but greatly needed. The one thing all of these acts of kindness have in common is that everyone feels good about it afterward. That is a rare thing today. For whom can you provide a special act of kindness today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for all of the people You have used to show Your love and care to me. Help me to be that person for someone else today. Amen.
Devotional Quote
I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness. ― Mother Teresa
Quote of the Day
Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. ― Desmond Tutu