"Now don't worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman." ~ Ruth 3:11
The above words are what Boaz had to say about Ruth. He obviously thought very highly of her, but he wasn't the only one. Notice his words: "for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman." It was evident to everyone, that Ruth was a woman of virtue. It was seen in her actions, her words and her countenance. When we think of virtue we think of the English definition of having and showing high moral standards, but in this particular passage, virtue is taken from the Hebrew word chayil- which means strength, valor, might and power (whether in body or mind). Ruth was a woman with high moral standards, but she was also a woman of great strength. I want to be a virtuous woman. A woman known for my moral standards but also seen for my strength. What does this woman of virtue look like? Ruth gives us every example of being a virtuous woman. * Ruth was loyal and faithful. "But Ruth replied, 'Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!'" ~ Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth was faithful, not only to Naomi, but to God. Somewhere along her journey with Naomi's family, Ruth began a close relationship with the Lord. She was not going to turn her back on Naomi, the only family she felt she had left after 10 years, and she was not going to turn away from her God. *Ruth was determined. In these same verses we see the determination in Ruth's words and demeanor. She was not going to take no for an answer. She was determined to stay with Naomi and continue her relationship as her daughter. How often are we determined in our own relationships with those we love? Are we faithful and determined to stay, to follow and to love? *Ruth was submissive. "One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 'Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it. ' Naomi replied, 'All right, my daughter, go ahead.'" ~ Ruth 2:2 Ruth was submissive to her authority. She was not married and she did not live under her father's roof, but she looked to Naomi as her mother and she respected her authority. I understand that submission is a controversial subject in this day in time, specifically for women. Most women find "submission" a dirty word, but it isn't. It's God's Word, and His ways are better than anything we can ever imagine. *Ruth was serving. "So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal." ~Ruth 2:17-18 Ruth had a servant's heart. She wanted to work to take care of Naomi, and she did her job with a happy heart and she did it well. So many times in my mundane tasks of taking care of my home and my family, I groan and complain. Where is my happy, serving heart? It is a privilege to get to serve my family. To love and nurture them by taking care of them. I don't want to lose sight of that. I want to serve them cheerfully, because I love them and I am grateful for them. God did not have to bless me with my sweet hubby and precious children, but He did. I am so grateful for each one and I am blessed that God chose to give them to me. My care and nurture for them should reflect this gratitude. Ruth was indeed, a virtuous woman, and everyone noticed. She was not proud, she did not parade herself as something wonderful, she just lived her life to please the Lord. Her character and actions spoke volumes of who she truly was: a woman of strength, a woman of virtue, a woman of God. The same is true for us. What does our character and our actions tell those who are watching? Are we bearing good fruit? Are our lives overflowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23) Are we living out God's words or just hearing it? (James 1:22) Let's strive to become women of virtue! "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deed publicly declare her praise." ~ Proverbs 31:30-31 Happy Mother's Day to all you precious Mamas out there! Keep reading God's Word! Joyfully His, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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