How Deep is Your Love?

I always get teary when I read Ruth’s “Where you go, I will go” speech. I can’t help it-I imagine myself in Naomi’s shoes, having lost everyone I love, trying to hold it together long enough to watch the last of my family walk away. For Naomi, Ruth’s pledge to remain is the embodiment of love, and a courageous, possibly foolish act. In this choice she denies so many possible futures for herself and chooses an uncertain path that would only certainly serve one broken-hearted old woman.

Both women’s lives are transformed by this loving choice of Ruth’s. This story and Ruth’s choice might encourage us, in moments of choice, to have the courage to choose love over self-service. May each of us know and give the kind of love that transforms our broken hearts and lives.

God of transforming love, give us strength to choose love and compassion, and fill our lives with love. Amen. — AB

Contributed by How Deep is Your Love?

I always get teary when I read Ruth's "Where you go, I will go" speech. I can't help it-I imagine myself in Naomi's shoes, having lost everyone I love, trying to hold it together long enough to watch the last of my family walk away. For Naomi, Ruth's pledge to remain is the embodiment of love, and a courageous, possibly foolish act. In this choice she denies so many possible futures for herself and chooses an uncertain path that would only certainly serve one broken-hearted old woman. Both women's lives are transformed by this loving choice of Ruth's. This story and Ruth's choice might encourage us, in moments of choice, to have the courage to choose love over self-service. May each of us know and give the kind of love that transforms our broken hearts and lives.
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