In what ways can we emulate Boaz's kindness in our daily interactions? Setting the Scene Ruth 2:5: “Then Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, ‘Whose young woman is this?’” Boaz’s very first recorded action is simple but profound: he notices Ruth. From that moment his kindness unfolds in concrete, practical ways. Scripture presents him as a model we can follow in our own daily relationships. A Portrait of Boaz’s Kindness • He notices the outsider (v. 5) • He initiates personal contact (vv. 8–9) • He provides for immediate needs—food, water, safety (vv. 9, 14–16) • He protects dignity and reputation (v. 9) • He praises and affirms spiritual devotion (vv. 11–12) • He goes beyond the minimum legal requirement of gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9–10) Practical Ways to Show Boaz-Like Kindness Today Notice and Acknowledge • Look up from your routine to see people who are overlooked—new coworkers, neighbors, visitors at church. • Offer a warm greeting; learn a name. “Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting” (Ruth 2:9). Initiate Help • Don’t wait to be asked. Boaz speaks first and offers gleaning space; we can offer a ride, a meal, or time before needs are voiced. • Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” Provide Tangible Care • Share resources generously: groceries for a family in transition, childcare for a single parent, a spare room for a missionary on furlough. • Matthew 25:35: “I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink…” Protect and Respect • Guard the vulnerable from gossip, exploitation, or harassment. • Ruth 2:9: “I have ordered the young men not to touch you.” • Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another…” Encourage Spiritually • Recognize and verbalize God’s work in others, as Boaz blesses Ruth (2:11-12). • Proverbs 16:24: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.” Go Beyond Minimum Obligation • Boaz intentionally leaves extra grain (2:16); we can tip generously, volunteer extra hours, or forgive debts quietly. • Proverbs 19:17: “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” Scripture Connections • Colossians 3:12—kindness as a piece of our spiritual wardrobe. • Psalm 41:1—promise of blessing for considering the weak. • James 2:15-16—warning against kind words without kind deeds. A Final Encouragement Kindness begins with noticing, grows through intentional action, and blossoms into godly influence. The same Lord who guided Boaz empowers us by His Spirit to weave everyday mercies into the lives around us, pointing hearts to the ultimate Redeemer. |
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