Walking in the Way of Biblical Love

Walking in the Way of Biblical Love

Settling into a new land, a young woman walked towards the field, clenching her basket tightly. Then, looking upon the horizon, she watched as people gathered the grain left behind by the harvesters.

The Moabite woman had tread upon the unknown. After becoming a widow, she had every reason to be afraid of what her future would hold.

Yet her heart was motivated by the love she had for her mother-in-law, her companion. The young woman had put her own interests aside and clung heavily to the truth that her mother-in-law needed her care right now.

So the woman began collecting grain and brought an abundance home over the days to follow. Little did she know that this was surely a small portion of what the Lord had in store for her.

On the other side of the field stood the owner of the land she had approached, a wealthy man from Israel. He would have compassion for this young woman and take note of her noble character. And one day, they would become husband and wife.

This is the story of Ruth and Boaz, who would become the great-grandparents of King David and be a part of the same lineage of Jesus Christ. Both individuals showcased a beautiful and inspiring love. And they model characteristics that serve well in investing in any relationship. Regardless of your relationship status, these are surely biblical principles of love that can be taken to heart.

Firstly, they both saw a need and sacrificed in order to fill it. Seeing her mother-in-law in need, Ruth became her companion and provider, gathering barley so that they would be looked after. Likewise, Boaz saw that Ruth needed food to gather and provide without expecting something in return.

Often we see needs within our world, our community, and those we interact with. It is easy to discuss these needs in conversation. But what is your response when meeting those needs is going to cost you something? If you do give sacrificially, do you do it for the right reasons?

What about in the moments that are incredibly challenging? When you have an offense grinding against your heart toward another person. What about when you are called to love people who are making it difficult to love them? Or those circumstances when it would be easier to have a blind eye toward a particular need that should be addressed. 

Secondly, their love was evident and beneficial to those around them. Boaz mentioned that Ruth’s character was beautiful and had been noticed by the people of the town (Ruth 3:11). It also served as a source of hope for Naomi, whose story started as one in despair (Ruth 1:20) to one of gladness and redemption (Ruth 4:14-17). Likewise, Boaz also demonstrated a love that encouraged the best in people, as he showcased kindness and compassion towards the widows, a people dear to the heart of God (Psalm 146:9).

When we love others as Christ loved us, we encourage them toward sanctification. Often this sanctifying can be inspiring and beautiful. Admittingly, it can also be a painful process when we are called to lay aside how we feel and love others we feel have hurt us. Or to be one being sanctified can also be uncomfortable, for it requires us to humble ourselves and place ourselves under biblical teaching. But the end product is worth it, for it is as gold being refined through fire. How do you respond to sanctifying love? And how do you show it in your everyday life?

Thirdly, their love was unconditional. It was deeper than concentrating on what they could get from one another. Ruth was not looking for what she could gain from Naomi, nor Boaz from what he could obtain from Ruth. Instead, Ruth and Boaz demonstrated a love that was based on their own character and personal relationship with God. Because this was the foundation of the love in their hearts, their relationships could withstand the storms or future offenses from one another.

It also serves as a specific reminder for those who are single and desire to be married. Through her actions, Ruth demonstrated that she loved her new husband long before she even knew him. Ruth’s decisions on how she loved those along her path in everyday life affected how she would operate as a new wife, mother, and member of her community and would eventually welcome a godly man into her life. And similarly, Boaz’s qualities attracted a godly woman who was set on loving others.

If you are single and have a desire to be married one day, then make no mistake that what you do today will impact your relationship in the future. Your decision to love in a sacrificial way, sanctifying, and unconditional right where you are setting habits that you will bring into a relationship or marriage.

And this often begins with prayer. We make choices in the present on how we interact with others and show them love. But we also have an opportunity to love those that may one day be in our path by praying for our future spouse. God knows who they are, where they are, and what they are facing today. Your prayers impact not only them but also cultivate a heart that is surely pleasing to the Lord.

Certainly, also praying for your spouse if you are married or in any relationship is very precious in the sight of God.

Regardless of what relationships you are currently investing in, my prayer is that you would be encouraged to continue pursuing our God and open your heart wide to receive His love. And from that place, you would love those who the Lord puts in your path.

Blessings,