Topical Bible: Children: Love of, for Parents of Ruth

◄ Children: Love of, for Parents of Ruth ►

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The account of Ruth, found in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament, provides a profound example of love and devotion, not only between a daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law but also as a reflection of the love children should have for their parents. Ruth's actions and words demonstrate a deep commitment and affection that can serve as a model for familial love.

Ruth's Devotion to Naomi

Ruth, a Moabite woman, married into an Israelite family that had moved to Moab due to famine. After the death of her husband, Mahlon, Ruth faced a critical decision when her mother-in-law, Naomi, decided to return to Bethlehem. Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry, but Ruth's response is a testament to her unwavering love and loyalty: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16).

This declaration highlights Ruth's selfless love and commitment, choosing to leave her homeland and embrace a new life with Naomi. Her decision was not based on obligation but on genuine affection and respect for Naomi, reflecting the biblical principle of honoring one's parents and elders.

Ruth's Actions as an Expression of Love

Ruth's love for Naomi was not only expressed in words but also in actions. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth took the initiative to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields. Her hard work and dedication ensured that Naomi was cared for, demonstrating the practical aspect of love through service and sacrifice.

The biblical narrative emphasizes Ruth's character as one of virtue and kindness, qualities that are commended throughout Scripture. Her actions align with the biblical exhortation found in Proverbs 31:28, where a virtuous woman is praised by her children: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her."

The Blessing of Ruth's Love

Ruth's love and loyalty did not go unnoticed by God. Her account unfolds with divine providence as she meets Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who eventually marries her. Through this union, Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Jesus Christ. This outcome underscores the biblical truth that God honors and blesses those who demonstrate love and faithfulness.

Ruth's account serves as an enduring example of the love children should have for their parents and elders. Her life illustrates the blessings that flow from honoring and caring for one's family, as well as the broader community of faith. Through Ruth, the Bible teaches that love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act in the best interest of others, reflecting the love of God Himself.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 1:16-18
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your God my God:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Children's Bible
... HOW TO HONOR YOUR PARENTS. THE TROUBLES OF THOSE WHO ARE LAZY. ... THE LOVE THAT MAKES
MEN BROTHERS. ... The Children's Bible Christian Bookshelf. >.
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

Home-Sympathy.
... As the cry of hunger from your children, and their shivering cold ... "He will not let
love's work impart ... The child fondly leans upon the parents, looks up to them ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiv home-sympathy.htm

The Blessing of God.
... arms." Ofttimes where the love of earthly parents has not ... The fruit of the SPIRIT
is love, joy, peace ... is His due"ourselves, our property, our children; or, it ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Subject Index
... law, [181]h027. mercy, [182]h188. providence and goodness to children, [183]h327. ...
Love to the triune God, [270]h175. ... Parents and family of mankind, [329]h013. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/subject index.htm

The Elf
... of that as I listen to the little children talking to ... she was, for various reasons,
promptly returned to her parents. ... child, and give me grace to love her from ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xx the elf.htm

Adonijah
... fact that the future well-being of children depends largely ... resolution on the part
of the parents had taken ... of servants, but never displaying a love of justice ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members ...
... 24:1). Furthermore, in order to foster conjugal love from the ... is written (Dt.21:20)
that the parents had to ... Reply to Objection 1: As the children of Israel had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law set.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... Parents divide a portion of sorrow to their children, and yet ... a distracting fear,
a fear of danger; and a discouraging fear, a fear God does not love us ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ...
... But now, that the parents may not blush, and that they may give ... are the latter set
above the other, but because the love of a wife, of whom children are born ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon i of the agreement.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 445, [697]450; virginity of, a compensation to parents, [698]445 ... Exsufflation of
Children, [1210]369 ... Fairness of Christ, the love of virgins, [1217]436, [1218]437 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm