Faith and Kindness
Blessed be he of the Lord who hath not left off His kindness to the living and the dead .
Ruth 2:20
Naomi’s knowledge of the Lord is that , He has not left off His kindness. Kindness is one of the most important Christian virtues. It helps us to reveal godliness in us. It should extend even to strangers. The Book of Ruth reveals the kindness of Boaz to a stranger Ruth which culminates in their marriage and makes them find a place in the lineage of Christ.
Ruth calls herself ‘a stranger’ in 2:10. The way Boaz shelters Ruth is admirable. He is Christ – like where as Ruth stands for every one of us. Boaz does everything within his powers to be kind to her expecting nothing from her. He counsels her “Not to glean in another field and neither go from hence” v.8, lest she may be exposed to dangers. Though we are not the Jews, even strangers, the Lord never likes us to glean in another field. As He is sufficient for us, it pleases Him when we depend on him totally without depending on human beings, wealth, and other factors. Ruth listens to Boaz. When he counsels her, he also orders the young men under him not to touch her and not to rebuke her v.8.
Boaz takes care of her food and water (Ruth 2: 9,16). Knowing the heart of a stranger, he is kind to her, shelters her, counsels her and fulfills her needs. He is hospitable to her. Hebrew 13:1 says we should be hospitable to strangers.
Ruth 2:13 says, that she has come under the wings of the Lord God of Israel. That is the cause of the protection and care she receives through Boaz. She has not only come under His protection but also keeps herself there. She is firm in her faith and listens to Boaz. Boaz is kind to her. Together they have found a place in the lineage of Christ. When the children of God work together, we can live a life pleasing to God.
Mother Teresa once said, "I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; Together we can do great things". Faith and Kindness makes it possible.
Almighty God, help us to be steadfast in our faith and loyalty towards thee and be kind to others so that we can do great things for thee. Amen
SOL.ANGELIAN