Day 24 - Naomi

Read: Ruth 1:8-9, Ruth 1:16

Reflect: The relationship between Naomi and Ruth is one of the most heart-warming stories in the Bible. Through the story of Ruth and Naomi, we are able to understand that we are capable of loving other people who are not of our own blood, such as a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and we also learn about the importance of being selfless and committed in our relationships. 

In the beginning of the book of Ruth, Naomi thinks she has reached a dead end, and that nothing good can come out of her circumstances. However, Naomi’s story reminds us that God is working out redemption and restoration always. In the midst of her grief she continues to look out for her daughter in law. 

The familial love story between Ruth and Naomi can help society today learn many important truths about familial love. One important aspect of love that the relationship between Naomi and Ruth provides a witness to is the fact that in order to gain a strong familial love, there must exist a sense of commitment and selflessness between the two people. Ruth and Naomi demonstrate this when Naomi’s selfless nature insists on Ruth’s return home for her well-being, but Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law balances out their relationship and causes them to stay together and develop a strong love between them that lasts throughout the book of Ruth. 

Respond: Take an honest look at your relationships, how selfless and committed are you? Is God at the center of your relationships? Make a list of relationships that may need to be more God-focused instead of self-focused. Ask God to help open doors for reconciliation.