Ruth had nothing to gain following Naomi. No promise of provision or hope of a new husband. Yet she told Naomi, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God." Ruth 1:16
Now, a foreigner in the land of Bethlehem Boaz sees Ruth serving Naomi by gleaning from the harvest. He shows favor and blesses Ruth. Naomi notices the overwhelming generosity of Boaz, "May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead." Ruth 2:20
It was generosity and kindness which opened Naomi's hard heart from the trials of life. We see Boaz being a picture of Jesus. Here we see Boaz's kindness and generosity influencing and affecting the lives of Ruth (a foreigner) and Naomi (scarred from life's issues).
As we express generosity and kindness in the name of the Lord lives will be influenced around us as well. When is the last time you went above and beyond in kindness? Generosity? Pray. Ask Holy Spirit to guide you. Today, extend the kindness and generosity of the Lord to your spouse, kids, family & friends, and even the stranger.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.