Gaining Acceptance in Community

Introductory questions to chew

Do I presume acceptance and grace to be rights of mine?

"It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done" would reveal what about me?

Where is my trust?

When my trust is wrongly focused, how do I go about changing it?

What is known in the community of my virtue?

Whom shall I bless today...and how?

Channels of generosity

In her relationship with Naomi, Ruth demonstrated loyalty and generosity that exceeded by far her own self-interest. Ruth wanted the best for Naomi, so she pursued it. I am sure Ruth considered the personal cost involved in her commitment to her mother-in-law, but I suspect her love for Naomi kept her from dwelling much on that cost. Her love made her generous in many practical ways.

Boaz knew of Ruth's love and devotion. He had heard of it, and he saw it personally. So he showered her with his own generosity. She got his special invitation to glean exclusively in his fields. He protected her from those who might abuse her. He made sure she wouldn't have to go thirsty. And he ordered his reapers to deliberately drop grain that she could glean.

Ruth noticed this generosity, and wondered why. She didn't assume that she had it coming. So she asked Boaz. Take note of two lessons in his response.

I know about your own generosity.

God reward and recompense you.