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Ruth 1:16–3:1
“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law. . . . May the Lord, the God of Israel, . . . reward you fully for what you have done” (Ruth 2:11-12).
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Read Romans 12:10; Ephesians 6:2; Philippians 2:25, 29-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:3; Hebrews 13:4; and 1 Peter 2:17 to see some of the practical ways we can bring honor to our relationships.
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In what ways were you taught to honor others, especially those older and more experienced in life? How can we demonstrate Christlike honor to others?
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The metro was packed with rush-hour travelers, and my family and I stood on the station platform waiting for the doors to open so we could board. Tired after a long day of sightseeing, we were already anticipating the refuge of our hotel room. I took my son’s hand and entered through the open train doors. As I looked for a pole to hold on to, a man suddenly stood up and offered me his seat. While I was very thankful to get off my feet, I also felt deeply honored by his gesture.
In the hustle and bustle of our world, the sense of expediency can cause us to focus more on what is immediately convenient for us rather than seeing others and their needs. Too busy to stop, too harried to slow down, too hip to be held back. While the cost is usually relational, the slippery slope often begins in the lack of honor we demonstrate toward others.
A fascinating journey of an outsider, Ruth was truly a humble servant. Peter wrote, “Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). After the death of Naomi’s husband and sons, she had nothing left. Her life, in her eyes, was bitter. Humbling herself, Ruth revealed a servant heart as she helped her mother-in-law cope in her desperate days.
But the story doesn’t end with Ruth’s sacrifices. As she continued to create a culture of honor wherever she went, God marked Ruth’s life for blessing (Proverbs 18:12; Ruth 4:13-17) and history has never been the same.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 7:1-14
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Great word, Regina. Ruth’s example of honor and humility is something to which we all should aspire. It can transform individuals, families, churches, and cultures, when lived out in the greater example of Jesus (Philippians 2:8).
Great point–it’s often the simplest gestures which communicate the most. I will look to honor someone today–to let them know that they matter to me and to God.
Dear Tom and Mike,
God is so amazing! As you both know, we write months ahead of the actual posting schedule. How cool is it that several months after writing this entry, Scott and I are in the middle of a series on honor with our student ministry. And in His goodness, God is giving us a wide field in which to practice these principles
. He is lovingly reminding me of the choice I need to make!
I love God’s perfect timing!