Remembering Ruth

Chapter Two:Lessons in Kindness

Remembering Ruth

Background

Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem at beginning of thebarley harvest 1:22

Law for harvesting made to care for the poor, including widows and orphans Lev 19:9-10, 23:22; Dt 24:19-22

Such kindness not always practiced Zech 7:8-12

Such kindness expected of the Christian Js 1:27; Mt 25:31ff

Remembering Ruth

Kindness is an action 2:1-7

It is genuine love demonstrated by service 2:2-3, Gal 5:13

It is humility with work clothes on 2:7; Jn 13:5, 12-17; 1 Pet 5:5

Remembering Ruth

Kindness will be noticed and appreciated 2:8-13

Ruth’s kindness was reported to Boaz 2:11-12;Actions demonstrate character and build reputation.

Examples of Christians

Dorcas Acts 9:36-39Stephanas’ family 1 Cor 16:15-18Epaphroditus Phil 2:25-30Philemon Philmn 4-7Gaius 3 Jn 5-8

Remembering Ruth

Kindness begets more kindness 2:8-23

Nothing motivates to kindness better than kindness 2:10-12; 2 Cor 9:2; 8:1-6; 8:9; 9:15

What goes around comes around: Stay here 2:8 I will protect you from harm 2:9, 15, 16, 22 I will give you water and food while you work 2:9, 14 I will make sure that you are provided for 2:16, 17-20, 21, 23

See Eccl 11:1; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:13-15; Acts 28:7-10; Rom 16:1-2

Remembering Ruth

Kindness is an action- prompted by love, enabled by humility

Kindness will be noticed and appreciated

Kindness begets more kindness