5 Lessons From Ruth and Boaz About Marriage
The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption. Personally one of my favorites. Last summer I did an intense study on this book and learned a ton.
At its core, it is a story about two people who choose to love each other in the midst of difficult circumstances. As we read the story of Ruth and Boaz, we can see that their relationship is a God-honoring one. Here are five lessons we can learn from their example about what it takes to have a Christ-centered marriage.
Put God First
Ruth and Boaz both put God first in their lives. They recognized that He was the ultimate authority in their lives and sought to honor Him in all they did. This is an important foundation for any marriage because when we put God first, our priorities become aligned with His and we are better able to serve and love each other as He intended.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Support and Encourage Each Other
They were incredibly supportive and encouraging of each other during difficult times. They showed grace and understanding even when things weren’t going their way. This kind of mutual support is so important for a healthy marriage because it helps to create an atmosphere of trust, understanding, and respect.
Ruth 2:11-12
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord,the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Be Willing to Sacrifice
Throughout the story, we see examples of Ruth sacrificing her own comfort for the sake of others. She was willing to leave her home and family to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. Later, she risked her own safety by going out into the fields to glean grain so that she and Naomi would not starve. Boaz also sacrificed his own interests when he chose to redeem her. These sacrifices demonstrate the type of selfless love that should characterize our marriages.
Ruth 3:9
He said, “Who are you?” “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
Extend Grace
Boaz showed grace to Ruth by marrying her even though she was from a different social class and had no dowry to offer him. When we extend grace to our spouses, it creates an atmosphere of forgiveness and healing that is essential for any marriage relationship.
Ruth 4:10
Then he not only removed his sandal, but he also bowed down in homage to Ruth. And he said, “You are indeed a mighty redeemer of our family line.”
Seek God’s Will
Throughout the story, Ruth and Boaz both seek God’s will for their lives. They pray for guidance and wisdom as they navigate through difficult decisions. As a result, they are able to make choices that honor God and bless those around them. This is an important lesson for us as well because when we seek God’s will for our lives, He will direct our steps and lead us into His perfect plan for us.
Ruth 4:14
Then the women said to Naomi, “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!”
The book of Ruth provides us with a beautiful example of what it looks like when two people choose to follow God’s design for marriage. By putting God first, communicating openly and honestly, being willing to sacrifice, extending grace, and seeking His will, we can create marriages that reflect His glory and bring Him honor.
We are called to be a reflection of how God loves us and love each other as He intended. I think Boaz and Ruth are beautiful examples of this reflection. Were their circumstances perfect? Absolutely not. But God redeemed it. We can look to their story and find hope in our own. May we remember the lessons taught by Boaz and Ruth, and may they inspire us to pursue God’s plan for our marriages with patient love and grace.
I promise when you put Him first, your whole marriage changes. When we love God and His Word, it overflows into our relationships. And that’s really the whole point – to live a life that reflects Him and brings Him glory.
May we all strive to follow Boaz and Ruth’s example of honoring God through our marriages!
