Ruth 2:11‭-‬12 & 2:16 - Dedication Meets Kindness (Bible Journal)

"'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. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done (Ruth 2:11‭-‬12 NLT).'"

"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 (Ruth 2:16 NLT)!"

Ruth's dedication to her mother-in-law Naomi is inspiring, and Boaz's kindness toward Ruth compliments her actions. Besides offering a blessing to Ruth for her sacrifices, he also made sure Ruth was able to gather plenty of food, even having the young men she worked behind drop things on purpose for her to collect. She was also fed well between gathering duties, even having leftovers to bring back. The empathy Boaz offers Ruth is wonderful, and is well worth emulating in our own lives.

Thank You Lord for the inspiring display of kindness in Scripture today. Please help me to grow in my own dedication from Ruth's example, and please help me to grow in kindness and empathy from Boaz's example. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.