Meet: Ruth & Naomi
For the month of June we will discover some of the many lessons that can be learned from studying the lives of Ruth and Naomi.
Overview – Friendship
The story of Ruth and Naomi provides a model of what a Godly friendship should look like. Their cultures, family backgrounds, and ages were very different and as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law they probably had as many opportunities for tension as for tenderness. Yet they were bound to each other.
They shared deep sorrow as well as great affection for each other. Naomi allowed Ruth to see, hear and feel all the joy and anguish of her relationship with God, which eventually led Ruth to making the decision to leave her family and pursue God in a foreign land with Naomi. God was at the center of their intimate relationship.
Theirs was a friendship in which each person tried to do what was best for the other and it was noticed by those around them.
Lessons from their lives
- Godly friendships blend our lives together.
- True friendship is when each person does what is best for the other.
- Sharing openly about our relationship with God can bring depth and intimacy to our relationships with others.
Life Application
Love and respect the people God has brought into your life. In doing so, you give and receive blessings and ultimately know that love is the greatest blessing.
Remember
When we are loyal and loving in our relationships, we are imitating God’s faithfulness.