A Life God Can Reward

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.

HOW CAN YOU LIVE A LIFE God can reward? Let’s step into the story of Ruth.

Boaz, a godly, rich landowner, sees Ruth and comments to her, “May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done” (Ruth 2:12, emphasis added). What had Ruth done? Let’s see what five things Ruth did to live a life God could (and would) reward.

Be with quality people. It started when Ruth left her pagan ways and joined her mother-in-law, Naomi, on her trek back to Israel, after Ruth’s husband died. Then once there, they had to find a way to get food, so Naomi directed Ruth to Boaz’s fields so she could glean safely. If you are new to a community, or if you want to improve your friendship circle, find quality people at churches, service groups, Bible studies, seminaries, or self-improvement classes.

Be a hard worker. In verse 7 there is a comment on how Ruth had been “hard at work”—doing field labor! This was backbreaking work. When people see your work ethic, they want to help. When God sees it, he is moved to reward you.

Be humble. When Boaz called Ruth over, “she bowed down with her face to the ground” (verse 10, NIV). God promises that if we humble ourselves under his mighty power, he will honor us at the proper time (see 1 Peter 5:6).

Be yourself. Boaz invited Ruth to lunch, and “she ate all she wanted” (Ruth 2:14, NIV). She didn’t put on airs and pretend she wasn’t hungry because she was on a date! Ruth was real.

Be generous. Ruth always took food home to Naomi. In fact, Ruth cared for Naomi in such a way that Boaz said to Ruth, “Everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman” (3:11).