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Be a Changemaker: Be Selfless!
Be a Changemaker: Be Selfless!
Selflessness love is not a walk in the park. It's never easy to be selfless, and Naomi is a testament to that. In the book of Ruth, we witness Naomi facing a difficult situation (Ruth 1:1-2). Famine had struck the land, compelling her and her family to leave their homeland and settle in Moab (Ruth 1:3-5). Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and Naomi lost her husband and her two sons, leaving her with nothing (Ruth 1:6-7). As a woman in those times, her life revolved around her husband and children, and losing them was devastating (Ruth 1:8). Despite the immense challenges she faced, Naomi persevered and turned to God (Ruth 1:12-13). Her faith and determination inspired Ruth to join her (Ruth 1:16-17).
Selflessness love is not a walk in the park. It's never easy to be selfless, and Naomi is a testament to that. In the book of Ruth, we witness Naomi facing a difficult situation (Ruth 1:1-2). Famine had struck the land, compelling her and her family to leave their homeland and settle in Moab (Ruth 1:3-5). Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and Naomi lost her husband and her two sons, leaving her with nothing (Ruth 1:6-7). As a woman in those times, her life revolved around her husband and children, and losing them was devastating (Ruth 1:8). Despite the immense challenges she faced, Naomi persevered and turned to God (Ruth 1:12-13). Her faith and determination inspired Ruth to join her (Ruth 1:16-17).
The Perseverance of Naomi
Naomi's unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of selfless love. She believed in God even during her darkest moments and tried to do what she thought was best for her daughters-in-law (Ruth 1:19-21). Naomi's steadfastness attracted Ruth to God, ultimately changing her life (Ruth 2:2-3).
The Sacrifice of Ruth
Ruth, a Moabite woman, chose to stay with Naomi and accompany her to Bethlehem, an act of sacrificial love (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth's commitment extended not only to Naomi but also to the God of the covenant. Naomi's influence led Ruth to worship the one true God. Ruth's sacrificial love is evident in her willingness to endanger herself to help her mother-in-law. She toiled tirelessly, gleaning in the fields to provide for both of them (Ruth 2:4-6). Through her actions, Ruth teaches us the value of impacting and changing lives one person at a time (Ruth 2:7-12).
The Grace of Boaz
Boaz, a relative of Naomi, exemplified grace and kindness towards Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 2:14-17). Not only did he provide for his workers, but he also went beyond what the Lord instructed on providing for the poor. Boaz demonstrated great compassion without expecting anything in return. He willingly redeemed Elimelech's legacy, sacrificing his own resources (Ruth 3:8-13). Boaz's conduct aligned with God's ways, setting an example for us to follow (Ruth 4:3, 4:5, 4:6, 4:9, 4:13).
The intertwined lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz in the story of Ruth teach us about selflessness and love. Their experiences show us how to become changemakers in our own lives. We can embrace selflessness like Naomi's perseverance, Ruth's sacrifice, and Boaz's grace. Even in the darkest moments, God is at work. Let's recognize the people placed in our lives to draw closer to Him. Whether we face challenges like Naomi, have opportunities to bless others like Ruth, or possess the means to show grace and redemption like Boaz, we can make a difference through perseverance, sacrifice, and grace.
Discuss this Message
Discuss this Message
What difficulties have you faced in loving selflessly? How did you persevere through those?
What specific things do you think you can commit to doing sacrificially in order to fulfill your duty in a person's life? (ex. Family, friends, disciples/disciplers)
What selfless actions can you do to someone to point him/her to JESUS this week?
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