An encouraging word for the week.
“You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”-Ruth 2:13
If you were to die today, how do you think people would speak about you? Would they bring up your work ethic? Would they comment about your sense of humor? Do you think they’d speak about you in a positive way? Is it possible that anyone would say they saw Jesus working in you and through you? Any chance that someone would describe you as kind?
One of the great themes in the book of Ruth is kindness. In the second chapter of Ruth, kindness is brought up in a variety of ways. Ruth 2 reveals to us that Boaz showed Ruth kindness, and he spoke to her with kindness. Specifically, in Ruth 2:13, we read about Ruth’s response to Boaz for his kindness displayed. Let’s reread what Ruth said: “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.” Boaz’s kindness impacted Ruth deeply. We know this is true because it’s revealed throughout the remainder of the book of Ruth.
Kindness, both lived out and spoken, has a powerful way of making a significant difference in people’s lives. Not only does it positively affect those around us when we show it and speak it, but interestingly, Scripture also reminds us that being kind has a way of rewarding us personally! Here’s how Proverbs 11:17 puts it: “Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.” Being kind benefits our own lives as we give it away! Conversely, being cruel tears down others and greatly damages our own lives.
Above the personal benefits of kindness, may we not forget what matters even more: Being kind honors God! When we show and speak kindness, we’re reflecting God Himself, who is incomprehensibly kind to us. “How kind the Lord is! How good He is! So merciful, this God of ours” (Ps. 116:5)! As one of my heroes, Steven Curtis Chapman, wisely wrote in his song Kindness, so may our prayer be, “I want to live with a heart of kindness. I want to love like I’ve been loved. If that’s all that I’m remembered for, then let that be enough. And I want to stand and tell the story of who You are and what You’ve done. How Your amazing love would bring You here to find us, to rescue and redeem us in Your kindness. Oh, let my life be a reflection of Your kindness.”
Let’s choose to be kind, just as God is so kind to us (Ephesians 4:32). This includes being friendly, generous, considerate, and gracious in how we act and speak to our families, friends, co-workers, classmates, strangers, and even to those who have not treated us with kindness.
Lord, You are nothing but kind to us. Help us to be more like You, living day by day showing and speaking kindness. All for Your praise! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott