Ruth 2:8-13
You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants. (Ruth 2:13b, NIV).

If there is any virtue we all need to develop, it is learning to speak words of kindness to one another. Lack of kind and gentle words could be one of the reasons for the disagreements we see in our homes, schools, offices and churches. Many times we want to say our mind, but we don’t do it in love. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV).

Although Ruth expected to be favored, she had her hidden fears. She was not sure how she would be received and treated. So, when Boaz spoke kindly to her, she was amazed. Not only that, she acknowledged that Boaz’s gentleness and kindness had broken barriers. She was a foreigner but he did not use that against her. His kindness was exceptional.

Because of this act of kindness, Ruth’s healing began. She began to develop a positive self-esteem. “How did you know that”, you ask? Well, her words showed her fears and how  his words brought her healing. She said, “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants” (Ruth 2:13b).

Friend, how good will it be if everyone that leaves our presence could testify that they experience kindness? Remember, “Pleasant  words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24, NASB). Shalom.

Your Turn

• Talk to God about your need to be gentle and kind to others.
• Pray for the grace to manage your relationships through these virtues.

Song: Let the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart.

Reading through the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 13