Life Lessons from the Book of Ruth

Ruth 1:6-7

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited His people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her: and they went on the way to return into the land of Judah.

There was bread again in the House of Bread! The news probably came through merchants traveling between the two countries. God had lifted His hand of correction and the famine ended (Psalm 103:7-14).

It was a several-days trip around the north end of the Dead Sea. Legally the daughters-in-law were bound to Naomi. With no men left, she was now the head of the family. Her will and word were to be obeyed by them.

How many of you have sons-in-law or daughters-in-law? Under similar circumstances, would they want to move with you? In-law relationships can be difficult at times. There may be cultural differences, differences of temperament, different ways of doing things. Perhaps some may be unsaved. What are we going to do about these things?

It may be difficult at times, but may God help us to bury our own wishes and desires and love them and pray that both them and ourselves would become the kind of persons God would have us to be.

Our tongues are our worst enemy in these relationships and sometimes we need to bite it to keep things on the right path. I’m sure Naomi did. Remember that her daughters-in-law came from idolatrous heathen families.

Dear God, Forgive me for those times when I respond harshly to my family and to those around me. Help me, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) that honors You, and that will bring peace and Your presence to those around me! Amen.