True Love–Illustrations in Ruth
Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:11-12
Solomon once wrote concerning the value of a good reputation: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). What Solomon writes is certainly true, but it is especially true in smaller communities, where it seems that everyone knows everything about their neighbors. This appears to have been the case in ancient Bethlehem!
Boaz had revealed his loving kindness by providing Ruth with protection and seeing to her provision. Here we learn, at least in part, the reasons for that kindness. Boaz had heard about Ruth long before he had met her. Her kindness to her mother-in-law since her husband’s death had been reported to Boaz. The fact that she had left her family behind and had come to live with Naomi among a people she did not know had likewise been reported to him. Beyond this, the fact of Ruth’s growing trust in the LORD had become evident to all who observed her. She was indeed seeking refuge under the wings of the LORD God of Israel.
Consequently, Boaz blessed the young woman standing before him, praying that the LORD would indeed repay her for her work and grant her a full reward for her faithful service! Indeed, Ruth had exercised true love through her devotion to Naomi. That love led to a good reputation, and that good reputation in turn led to great personal blessing!
O LORD God, please help us always to recognize the importance of our reputations as Your dear children. Grant that we may exercise true love in all our relationships, so that others might see our good works and be led to glorify You as both Savior and Lord. Amen.