Friendships are Work

In the story of Ruth we read that she went out into the fields and picked up the leftover grain to provide food for her and Naomi. This type of work was called gleaning and was a practice that was established by God to provide for the poor, widows, ophans and foreigners. It wasn’t a hand out, but rather a way that they could gather food to survive and it required effort and commitment on the part of the gatherer.

Ruth was more than willing to put forth the effort that was required to provide for herself and Naomi. Everyday she would leave early and go to the fields where she worked tirelessly and with a heart of love and humility.

At the end of the day she threshed the barley she had gathered and carried it back to town and gave it to Naomi. And if that wasn’t enough, she also saved some of the lunch she had been given by the landowner to share with Naomi.

Friendships require work. That is the plain and simple truth.

If we neglect to put in the effort and work to do our part, our relationships are going to starve. We might not be gathering grain, but every time we call a friend, pray for them, make time for them or listen to them, we are investing in that relationship and caring for that person. And at the end of the day, just like Ruth, we might be joyfully surprised at the outcome.

Be Intentional about investing in your relationships

Praises & Prayers

Father, thank you for always providing a way that we can love and serve each other. Help us to joyfully choose to serve in whatever ways would benefit our friendships. You Lord, will do the rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Proverbs 17:17 TPT

A dear friend will love you no matter what, and a family sticks together through all kinds of trouble.