Giving back — placing others before yourself

The Old Testament book of Ruth provides a real life example of two women who knew the value of giving back. A quick read of this compelling story reveals a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo. The obvious love and devotion between the two women warms my heart and makes me desire the same type of relationships in my life.
Naomi, the mother-in-law, lost her husband and two sons while living in the foreign land of Moab. Ruth, a resident of that foreign land, married Naomi’s son prior to his death. The story of Naomi and Ruth reveals two women facing an uncertain future with little reason to believe that they offered hope to one another. In fact, these two women could have given up on one another and gone their separate ways. When Naomi desired to return to her homeland of Bethlehem, she encouraged Ruth to stay in Moab and find a hometown guy to marry. Ruth clearly wanted nothing to do with this idea. Ruth states, “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.” (Ruth 1:16)
With a steady resolve, Ruth set out with Naomi for Bethlehem. As Naomi and Ruth entered Bethlehem, they created quite a stir. The women of Bethlehem noted that Naomi has lost her husband and children and appeared to be devastated. Naomi confirmed this fact when she states, “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.” (Ruth 1:21) The women of Bethlehem also noted that Naomi has a young lady by her side. I am sure this fact stirred up the local rumor mill.

Once in Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth settled into a new kind of normal life. Ruth went to “work” in the fields and Naomi stayed at home. One day, Naomi decided this routine must not continue. Naomi’s decision for change was not based on her lack of satisfaction with the current routine. No; the current routine worked out just right for Naomi. Rather, Naomi’s concern centered on her daughter-in-law Ruth. In Ruth 3:1, Naomi states, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for?” This question posed by Naomi set in motion a flurry of activities. The culmination of these activities is seen in Naomi’s finding and securing a husband for Ruth.

Ruth married a man named Boaz. Soon Ruth became pregnant and gave birth to her first son. The child was named Obed. The portion of the story that records the caretaker of Obed brings a smile to my face. Ruth 4:16 states, “Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.” The women of Bethlehem definitely had something to talk about now! The Bible states, “the women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son.’” (Ruth 4:17)
From this story of Naomi and Ruth, we see two women who loved one another, and, as a result of their love, gave freely to one another. Naomi provided Ruth with the one thing she could not provide for herself--- a husband. In turn, Ruth provided for Naomi the one thing she so desperately desired--- an opportunity to care for a son. One result from this incredible story centers on Naomi’s and Ruth’s deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from giving back. Both Naomi and Ruth had a heart full of God’s love because they sacrificed their own needs and desires in order to meet the needs and desires of another.

Today, as you and I think about this amazing story from God’s Word, we, too, are challenged to practice giving back. This challenge involves looking for opportunities to sacrifice our desires so that the desires of another can be met. Through giving back, a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment will become the reality of our lives as we make it our goal to honor the Lord by meeting the needs of those around us. I do not know about you, but this is one challenge I am ready to accept!

Dear Lord,
We praise You for You are always worthy of our praise. This day as we desire to give back, may we do so by giving every single day of our lives to You. We ask that You give each of us an ability to see the needs of those around us. Help us to demonstrate the same resolve seen in the lives of Naomi and Ruth---the resolve to place the needs of others before the needs of ourselves. We love You! Amen.