A New Beginning for Ruth (Ruth 2:18-23)

Ruth came home after a long day in the fields, carrying a huge bundle of grain. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was amazed!

“Wow, Ruth! Where did you find so much?” Naomi asked.

Ruth explained how she had been gleaning in the field of a man named Boaz. Naomi’s face lit up. “Boaz? He’s a relative of ours! A good and wealthy man. God is looking out for us!”

Ruth kept working hard, gleaning in Boaz’s field every day. She brought home food for both of them, and they began to feel hope again. This wasn’t just about finding food; it was about belonging and finding a new family in a new place. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and her hard work were paying off. Even though she was a foreigner, she was becoming part of the community.

What This Means for Us

• Kindness is powerful: Boaz showed kindness to Ruth even though she was a foreigner. We should always look for ways to be kind, even to people who are different from us.
• Hard work pays off: Ruth’s hard work provided for her and Naomi. Even when things are tough, don’t give up! Keep working hard and trust that God will see your efforts.
• God’s plan is bigger than we know: Naomi saw God’s hand at work in Ruth’s encounter with Boaz. God is always working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.

Study Questions

1. What qualities in Ruth do you admire? Why?
2. Have you ever been kind to someone who was different from you? What was the result?
3. How does Ruth’s story show that God cares for those who are in need?
4. What does Ruth’s story teach you about the importance of family and community?
5. If you were in Ruth’s shoes, how do you think you would have felt at the end of this chapter?

Let me know if you’d like more commentary or study questions!