Ruth 3:1
My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for (Ruth 3:1, NIV).

This statement is the summary of what a woman and a girl needs. Every woman needs a home where she could be loved, protected and cared for. Every woman needs the love and security of a man. This need cuts across boundaries, age, status, race, position and social class.

It does not matter whether she is married or not. That is the way God wired women. A woman loves to give and care for the man in her life – be it her father, brothers and husband or male colleagues. The nurturing nature is in her and it must find expression. In return, she wants someone to stand up for her when she needs protection. She wants the man in her life to protect and provide for her. It does not matter how rich she is, she desires the gift of love.

Naomi understood this. That is why she stood up to meet this need in Ruth’s life. She knew she could not do it, but she knew the men that might be willing to help. Moreover, the  culture was in favor of what she planned to do. Levirate marriage and property transfer was common in the Old Testament (see Deuteronomy 25:5-6).

Friend, take time to honor and show love to the woman in your life. It may be your wife, your daughter, sister or work colleague. God will bless you for it because you have chosen to honor Him in the way He created the women.

Your Turn

• Pray for the woman in your life and those who you know need love today.

Song: Thou art worthy O Lord.

Reading through the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 16