“What have I done to deserve such kindness?” Ruth asked, “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband… May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you’ve come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2: 10-12

Ruth gives us a wonderful example of what true compassion looks like.

When her mother-in-law, Naomi, lost her husband and two sons, she was left alone in the world.

Not wanting to be a burden, she told her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to go back to their villages.

And though they both had affections for Naomi, Ruth was the one who showed her true, sacrificial love.

She didn’t just look at Naomi from a distance like Orpah and say “Awww, poor lady. I’ll be praying for her like crazy…”

No.

She loved Naomi as she loved herself and saw to it that she was taken care of.

And that’s how God wants us all to love.

Our dainty little prayers for others mean nothing to God when He’s positioned us to be a real help.

He wants us to be compassionate, not polite.

We shouldn’t just pray that our friend finds a job. We should give them leads and introduce them to people who can get them on somebody’s payroll.

We shouldn’t just hope a lonely person finds friends. We should call them, invite them over for dinner, and pray with them.

If we see that someone just lost a child or a parent, we should check on them frequently and let them know that they have our shoulders to cry on.

We should make an effort to go above and beyond with our kindness and generosity so that others can truly feel what the love of Christ is all about.

And we must do it with no expectation of anything in return.

Ruth wasn’t looking for any type of reward or any special blessing from God.

That’s why God showed her so much favor…

Today, ask God to show you how you can be more loving and compassionate. Ask Him to give you a spirit of selflessness so that like Ruth, you can truly love others as you love yourself.

Be blessed,

Alexia