How can we emulate Boaz's kindness in our daily interactions with others? Setting the Scene: Ruth 3:15 in Context “ ‘Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.’ When she did so, he poured six measures of barley into her shawl, and she went into the city.” (Ruth 3:15) Boaz doesn’t merely send Ruth away safely; he loads her shawl with grain—an act of tangible, thoughtful care. His kindness goes beyond polite words to practical, sacrificial generosity. What Kindness Looked Like in Boaz’s World • Generosity: Six measures of barley equaled roughly 60–90 pounds—far more than Ruth asked for. • Protection: He ensures Ruth leaves before dawn, safeguarding her reputation (3:14). • Honor: He calls her “my daughter” (2:8; 3:10), treating a foreign widow with family‐level dignity. • Initiative: Boaz anticipates needs and moves first; Ruth never requests the grain. • Obedience to God’s Law: Leviticus 19:9-10 commanded provision for the poor; Boaz goes above bare compliance. Principles We Can Practice Today 1. Give generously, not minimally (Proverbs 3:27; 1 John 3:17). 2. Protect others’ reputations; refuse gossip, cover faults in love (Proverbs 17:9; 1 Peter 4:8). 3. Treat outsiders like insiders—honor those who can’t repay (Luke 14:13-14). 4. Act first; kindness that waits to be asked often arrives too late (Galatians 6:10). 5. Anchor kindness in obedience, not sentiment; God’s commands motivate and guide (John 14:15). Putting Boaz’s Kindness into Daily Motion • Carry “extra barley” in your budget—set aside funds or time ready for spontaneous giving. • Speak honor: greet a co-worker by name, thank the janitor, write the note that affirms hidden service. • Shield, don’t share, private matters; if someone’s story comes your way, cover it, don’t broadcast it. • Look ahead: see a neighbor’s trash can at the curb? Roll it back before you’re asked. • Serve beyond policy: teachers tutor after hours, managers advocate for team bonuses, students help classmates study. Encouraging Scriptures to Fuel Kindness • Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • James 2:15-16—Kind intentions without practical help are lifeless. • Philippians 2:3-4—Count others more significant; look to their interests. • Matthew 5:16—Let your light shine so others glorify the Father. Christ, our perfect Kinsman-Redeemer, has lavished grace far richer than six measures of barley. As recipients of such abundance, we can joyfully load others’ “shawls” every day. |
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