The Book of Ruth: Finding Love

The culture of courtship and marriage in society has undergone significant changes over time, and often not for the better. At present, the majority of adults are not married. Statistics show a 60% decrease in marriages in the United States over the last 50 years. Most men under the age of 30 remain single by choice, preferring freedom without commitments and rejecting the responsibility associated with a relationship. Seventy-seven percent prefer to live with their partner before getting married, reflecting the current mindset that does not place great importance on marriage.

Marriage is no longer considered a meaningful commitment, and many people avoid it. Nevertheless, many single individuals still harbor a secret desire to meet someone special. When this happens, they marry, but sadly half of these marriages end in divorce, causing pain not only to the couples involved but also to God.

The other half of marriages that do not end in divorce are merely surviving, highlighting that something is not working in the current concept of marriage. Culture continues in this direction despite the negative results. If one follows the common path, one will obtain what most people obtain.

Today, we will explore a different approach to understanding and preparing for marriage through the Book of Ruth. We will see how a different approach can lead to a marriage that honors God, suggesting that in order to achieve something different, one must adopt a different approach.

Brief summary:   This is the story of an ordinary family from Bethlehem who, during a famine, decide to move to Moab, despite God’s warnings against the Moabites. The father, worried about hunger, makes this choice out of desperation, which proves fatal, leading to his death and that of his two sons.

Our decisions affect the family, often prioritizing economic concerns over spiritual protection. Despite the tragic beginning, the wife Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, encouraging her daughters-in-law to rebuild their lives. One of them chooses to remain in Moab, while the other, Ruth, decides to follow Naomi, declaring her devotion with the words of Ruth 1:16.

Ruth leaves Moab to draw near to Naomi’s God in Bethlehem, making a choice that becomes her moment of salvation. The message is clear: to reach the right place, one must leave the wrong place. Naomi and Ruth, without a home and without human hope, represent new believers in a foreign land.

Chapter 1 concludes with the beginning of a new phase in the story, as Naomi and Ruth prepare to face Chapter 2. Metaphorically, it is an invitation to anyone who has lived through the ‘Chapter 1’ of their own life to turn the page, to leave the past (Moab) behind, and to seek God’s blessing in Bethlehem. The outlook is one of good news and blessings for those who choose to move away from what is not in God’s will.

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Chapter 2 of the Book of Ruth

In the biblical account, Naomi was related to a kinsman of her husband, a powerful and wealthy man from the family of Elimelech, named Boaz. When we say ‘powerful man,’ we do not mean only a wealthy person, but also an individual endowed with spiritual strength and moral integrity. An active man, with solid moral values and a strong commitment to work.

Many women aspire to a companion like Boaz. They do not want a passive partner, without values or spiritual character, like many men today. The figure of Boaz represents an ideal, a model to follow.

Ruth, the Moabite, asked Naomi for permission to go and glean in the fields of Boaz, recognizing him as a man of grace. The practice of gleaning, taught by God according to Leviticus 19, was a right based on the memory of the deliverance from Egypt obtained by grace. The grain left in the fields was to be reserved for foreigners, orphans, and widows.

The story of Ruth unfolds through events that, although they may seem accidental, are guided by the providence of God. In the Book of Ruth, we do not find great miracles or supernatural events, but rather the continuous presence of divine providence. God’s providence is revealed when He uses natural circumstances to accomplish His supernatural plans.

When we think that certain encounters or situations are accidental, we may in fact be guided by the providence of God, who leads us toward blessings and opportunities that go beyond mere chance. The story of Ruth teaches us that God works through everyday circumstances to bring His supernatural purposes to fulfillment.

Ruth’s uncompromising obedience to God opens the door to divine blessing in her life. As Scripture affirms, ‘And we know that all things work together for good; God works in all things, both pleasant and less pleasant’ (Letter to the Romans 8:28).

In Ruth’s story, we see her working in the field of a man named Boaz. If this story were a film, this part would be considered romantic. In a difficult and wounded season of her life, Ruth dedicates herself to gleaning. At this point, a ‘hero’ enters the scene—a wealthy man of character—which turns out to be a blessing for Ruth.

Let us reflect on the first time we saw the person who later became our spouse. Ruth, in an apparently casual way, ends up gleaning in the field of Boaz. But why do we think this is not mere chance? That the meeting between Ruth and Boaz was not a coincidence?

Let us recall the words of blessing that Naomi had spoken to her daughters-in-law in Chapter 1: ‘Go, return each of you to your mother’s house; may the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me! The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!’ (Ruth 1:8–9).

Every time we pray, God listens. God cares about our prayers and the intentions of our hearts. This should be the desire of every wise parent: to pray for the future spouses of their children, so that they may find rest and peace in their marital relationship. When we turn to God in prayer, His response is always heard.

Ruth shows great responsibility by working in the fields, and during her labor she meets Boaz. In verse 4, we see Boaz arriving in Bethlehem and greeting the reapers with words of blessing: ‘The Lord be with you!’ And the workers reply: ‘The Lord bless you!’

This clearly shows us that Boaz is a man of faith, a leader who loves his workers. The first thing he speaks about to his employees is God. This aspect is fundamental when seeking a partner in the faith.

If you are a serious disciple of Jesus Christ and you meet someone who claims to be equally committed but never speaks of Jesus, the church, or their faith during your conversations, something may be amiss. People talk about what matters to them, and if faith is not a central topic in their conversations, it may indicate a lower level of commitment.

Boaz, though not a priest, prophet, or pastor, carried out a ministry in his field. His fields became the place where he shared his faith. This reminds us that it is not necessary to hold a formal title or work for a non-profit organization to be on mission. We can be missionaries in our daily lives, in our country, in our neighborhood, and in our workplace.

It is not mandatory to have a pulpit to preach the Gospel; we can do it every day through the example of our lives. Boaz was an ordinary Christian businessman who allowed the light and love of Christ to shine through his life. His testimony shows that we can be engaged in the mission of spreading the Gospel even in the everyday spheres of life.

While serving God, Boaz happened to meet Ruth. If Boaz had read Ruth’s profile on an online dating site, perhaps he would not have considered her the ideal girl. Let us reflect on this point.

Ruth, a Moabite from a questionable group that worshiped idols, was a widow, not a virgin, without home or work, gleaning to provide food. Moreover, she bore the burden of caring for her mother-in-law Naomi. One could say she had a complicated past, but Ruth did not allow her past difficulties to determine her future.

This teaches us not to let our past hinder God’s plan for our future. Do not allow your past to prevent you from accomplishing all that God has for you. God uses every experience, positive or negative, to prepare us for His purposes and plans.

Boaz, a man of influence in those days, noticed Ruth in his field and asked his servant who she was. The servant replied that she was a young Moabite who had returned with Naomi from the fields of Moab, and that she was gleaning to feed herself and her mother-in-law.

Observing Ruth, Boaz noticed four qualities that differ greatly from what today’s culture often seeks in a woman. These are:

1. Faithful to God: Ruth made a courageous choice by leaving her past and false idols to serve the God of Israel.

2. Loyal to family: She chose to remain with Naomi, showing loyalty even through sacrifices such as leaving her land and her people.

3. Hardworking: She did not complain about her situation but worked diligently to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law.

4. Honors God morally: Ruth refused to take the easy way out, choosing instead to work honestly rather than resort to dishonorable means to survive.

These qualities differ from what society often values today, but they are evidence of a person who honors God, makes courageous choices, and is devoted to the good of others. If you want something different from the norm, you must be a different kind of person—one who honors God, makes choices that stand out, is loyal, hardworking, and morally upright.

After learning Ruth’s identity, Boaz showed remarkable kindness and admiration for her courage, despite her condition as a foreigner and widow. In verses 8–9, Boaz told her to remain in his fields and assured her that she would be safe. He promised to protect her and instructed his servants not to harm her. Later, Boaz prayed for her, asking God to reward her for her commitment and emphasizing that Ruth had come to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel.

This presents us with four key characteristics that every woman should look for in a man and that every husband should cultivate:

1. He honors her: Boaz honored Ruth in the way he treated her, showing respect and consideration despite her foreign origin and widowhood.

2. He protects her: Boaz committed to protecting Ruth, not only physically but also emotionally and morally. This is an essential quality in a relationship.

3. He provides for her: Boaz cared for Ruth’s material needs, ensuring she had what was necessary for sustenance. This demonstrated his attention and dedication to her well-being.

4. He prays for her: Boaz not only protected and provided for Ruth but also prayed for her. Prayer is a crucial element in a relationship, showing spiritual connection and the desire for divine blessings.

These are values that transcend time and culture, demonstrating that care, mutual respect, protection, provision, and prayer are fundamental elements in any healthy relationship. The meal shared between Boaz and Ruth highlights God’s abundance and generosity in blessing our lives. The story emphasizes that, despite changes in courtship practices over time, the sentiments of love, respect, honor, morality, protection, provision, and prayer remain essential in relationships.

The message conveyed is powerful and centered on personal transformation through faith in God.

Here is a summary of the main themes:

1. Personal Change: The central call is that to achieve different results in relationships and in life, one must be a different person. This change is based on choices that honor God and differ from modern societal standards.

2. Trust in God: Emphasis is placed on trusting in God’s sovereignty. Trust in God leads to inner transformation and allows His love to change the heart.

3. Results from God’s Grace: Ruth’s story illustrates how every blessing she received came from God. Similarly, it is affirmed that every good thing in life comes from God’s love, grace, and mercy.

4. Invitation to God’s Table: Boaz invited Ruth to his table, just as Jesus invites people to His table with bread and wine. This symbolizes a new beginning and the possibility of a new life in Christ.

5. Change of Chapter: The exhortation is to leave the past (Moab) and return to God (Bethlehem). This symbolizes a new chapter in life, where one can find God’s blessing.

6. Power of Prayer: Boaz not only honored, protected, and provided for Ruth, but also prayed for her. The importance of prayer in relationships is emphasized, along with the blessing of having a life partner who prays with you.

7. Listening to God’s Word: The importance of hearing and receiving God’s Word in the heart is highlighted. God’s Word produces faith, even when faith may be weak.

8. Beginning of a New Season: The message concludes by affirming that, even though chapter one has ended, a new chapter is beginning in people’s lives. God is present, speaking, and sustaining those who listen to His Word.

In summary, the message emphasizes the possibility of positive change through faith in God, listening to His Word, and making choices that honor Him.