How can we show kindness and loyalty like Boaz in our communities? Rooted in the Text “Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, ‘May he be blessed of the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.’ Naomi continued, ‘The man is a close relative of ours, one of our kinsman-redeemers.’” – Ruth 2:20 What We See in Boaz • Actively notices the vulnerable (Ruth 2:5) • Creates a safe place for the outsider (Ruth 2:8–9) • Gives beyond the minimum required (Ruth 2:15–16) • Speaks blessing and encouragement (Ruth 2:12) • Commits to covenant responsibilities, not mere convenience (Ruth 3:12–13) Scriptural Threads on Kindness and Loyalty • Leviticus 19:9–10 – leave gleanings for the poor • Proverbs 3:3 – “Do not let kindness and truth leave you” • Micah 6:8 – “love mercy” • Luke 10:33–37 – Good Samaritan models costly kindness • Galatians 6:2 – “Carry one another’s burdens” • Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others” Living Boaz-Like Kindness Locally 1. Notice and include – Learn names of newcomers at church, work, or school – Invite refugees, single parents, or widows to meals and community events 2. Provide safe spaces – Offer practical help: drive someone to appointments, babysit, accompany elderly on errands – Advocate when you see mistreatment or neglect 3. Give beyond the legal minimum – Budget generosity: groceries, rent help, school supplies – Volunteer hours, not just spare change 4. Speak blessing – Affirm God’s work in others; send notes, texts, or calls that build up (Ephesians 4:29) 5. Keep covenant commitments – Honor marriage vows, church membership, business agreements – Show up consistently; let “yes” be “yes” (Matthew 5:37) Guardrails for Genuine Kindness • Motivation: love for the LORD first (Colossians 3:23–24) • Integrity: kindness wedded to truth, never enabling sin (Ephesians 4:15) • Perseverance: continue even when unrecognized (Galatians 6:9) Encouragement to Persist The same God who preserved Naomi and Ruth through Boaz still watches over His people today. “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). May our communities feel the steadfast kindness of the Redeemer as we mirror Boaz’s loyal heart. |
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