Ruth 1:16-17 NIV — But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

The book of Ruth not only tells of Naomi’s  journey through grief, but it also unwraps the beautiful relationship between Ruth and Naomi. Naomi’s husband and both sons died. Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law, who were both also grieving the loss of their husbands. The grief must have felt stifling. Naomi decided to return to her homeland and told her daughters-in-law to return to their mother’s home. One daughter-in-law went back home, but her daughter-in-law named Ruth stayed with her. As the story unfolds, we learn of Ruth’s noble character and loyalty to Naomi. Ruth traveled with Naomi, found work so she could provide for Naomi, and eventually stepped out in faith by reaching out to Boaz for Naomi. 

To whom or what are you loyal? To whom or what do you devote your time and attention? How do you show loyalty?  Ponder these questions as you go about your day. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the example of loyalty provided by Ruth. May I show such love and loyalty to my friends and family. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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