week of 5/8

 Unit 9  Session 3

FOLLOWING GOD'S GUIDANCE

RUTH

Faithful love is not focused inwardly but outwardly, seeking the welfare of others.

The Book of Ruth is a story within a story, namely, the one told in the Book of Judges (Ruth 1:1). The dominant narrative of Ruth's day was one of sin, suffering, and chaos. There was no king in Israel at the time, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (see Judges 17:6 ; 21:25). Sin spiraled out of control and reaped severe consequences. Amid the destruction, however, the Bible reminds its readers of the mission of God to save sinners and the world. The Book of Ruth is a surprising story of redeeming love that proves God has not abandoned His mission. His faithful love will never give up.

Points to consider:

✞   Faithful love is loyal.

     * What reasons would Ruth have had to return to Moab

      with Orpah?

     * What are some ways we can model the loyal love of

      God in our relationships?

✞   Faithful love is gracious.

     * What does it mean to find refuge in God?

✞   Faithful love is redeeming.

     * What are some ways believers resemble or ought to 

      resemble Ruth?