Heart of kindness

“Then Ruth said, ‘What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.” Ruth 2:21

What is kindness? Kindness is compassionately taking an active interest in others’ needs and meeting them selflessly.

Boaz (his character) helps us understand how kindness is proactive and not merely reactive and passive. He also went beyond the call of duty and the law to show compassion for Ruth at a cost to himself. Kindness is also simply summarised in Phillipians 2:4 for us – “looking not only to our interests but also to the interests of others”. Many of us are familiar with another pithy summary – “loving our neighbours as ourselves”. As Christians, many of us are used to abstractly thinking of kindness, perhaps sometimes clouded in the general sense of being nice to people, creating a warm, friendly environment etc. But Boaz teaches us that thoughts of kindness also works itself out in practical acts and deeds.

But how do we get such kindness, kindness that is so selfless and boundless and above and beyond the expectations of the law? He clearly went beyond the requirements of Leviticus 19! He also invites her to dwell there, hires her, and ensured that her employment would be safe.

Boaz took interest in Ruth because of her acts of service and the selfless acts of kindness Boaz showed towards Ruth mirrors the kindness God shows us.

Ruth Relationship Advice: Acts of service produces a heart of kindness.

Prayer: Father, please create in me a heart of kindness as you have towards me. Open my heart to be compassionate and taking care of people selflessly. Thank You for the unmerited kindness You have for me, even when I don’t deserve it. Amen.

Written by Pastor Iriza

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