Ruth — Ruth and Boaz: A Blueprint for Godly Relationships — Week Three
Week Three Devotional: Ruth and Boaz: A Blueprint for Godly Relationships
Day 1: Seeking Character
Ruth 2:10-11 (NLT) "Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. 'What have I done to deserve such kindness?' she asked. 'I am only a foreigner.' 'Yes, I know,' Boaz replied. 'But I also 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.'"
Reflection: Boaz noticed Ruth not for her outward appearance but for her character. He admired her loyalty, hard work, and faith. Today, reflect on your own character. Are you living a life that reflects Christ? Are you seeking to grow in spiritual character?
Prayer: Lord, help me to develop a character that honors You. May I be known for my integrity, kindness, and faithfulness. Amen.
Day 2: Exploring Connection
Ruth 2:14 (NLT) "At mealtime Boaz called to her, 'Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.' So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over."
Reflection: Boaz and Ruth took time to get to know each other, exploring their connection in a respectful and meaningful way. Consider your relationships. Are you taking the time to truly know others and allowing them to know you?
Prayer: Father, guide me in my relationships. Help me to build connections that are deep and meaningful, centered on Your love. Amen.
Day 3: Showing Consideration
Ruth 2:15-16 (NLT) “When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, 'Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!'"
Reflection: Boaz went beyond what was required by law to show kindness to Ruth. He protected her dignity and provided for her needs. How can you show consideration and kindness to those around you today?
Prayer: Jesus, teach me to be considerate and generous, going beyond what is expected to show Your love to others. Amen.
Day 4: Receiving Confirmation
Ruth 2:19-20 (NLT) "‘Where did you gather all this grain today?’ Naomi asked. ‘Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!’ So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, ‘The man I worked with today is named Boaz.’ ‘May the Lord bless him!’ Naomi told her daughter-in-law. ‘He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.’"
Reflection: Naomi confirmed Boaz's character and intentions, providing Ruth with wise counsel. Who are the trusted voices in your life? Are you open to their guidance and confirmation?
Prayer: God, surround me with wise and godly counsel. Help me to listen and discern Your will through the voices of those who love and follow You. Amen.
Day 5: The Role of the Guardian-Redeemer
Ruth 2:20 (NLT) "‘May the Lord bless him!’ Naomi told her daughter-in-law. ‘He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.’"
Reflection: Boaz acted as a guardian-redeemer, a role that foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Reflect on how Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, has provided for and protected you.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being my Guardian-Redeemer. Thank You for Your sacrifice and for making me new. Help me to live in the freedom and grace You provide. Amen.
Day 6: Living a Life of Righteousness
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Reflection: You cannot build a life of righteousness on a foundation of sin. Are there areas in your life that need to be surrendered to God? How can you pursue a godly life today?
Prayer: Lord, reveal any areas of sin in my life. Help me to turn away from them and pursue righteousness. Make me a new creation in You. Amen.
Day 7: Trusting in God's Providence
Romans 8:28 (NLT) "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Reflection: God works in all things for the good of those who love Him. Trust in His providence, even in your relationships. Are you seeking His will and trusting His timing?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust in Your perfect plan for my life. Help me to seek Your will and rest in Your providence, knowing that You are working all things for my good. Amen.
May this devotional guide you in deepening your relationship with God and others, as you seek to live a life that honors Him.
