Message of Hope: Kindness, with no strings attached, will come back to you.
Read and S.O.A.P
In today’s world it seems like people are much more concerned about themselves then other people. Today’s story shows some amazing acts of kindness. At first glance it appears that this kindness might have strings attached, but you decide if it is real or fake.
Read Ruth 2:1-13.
Which verse(s) stands out to you?
S.O.A.P it. 
Excerpts and questions used in this study are used by permission from
Living in the Moment 
Ruth 2:1-14I “S.O.A.P.ed” the whole passage today. I just LOVE this story. Here is Ruth, this simple woman who has a big faith in God. She goes about her duties as menial as they are. Her acts of faithfulness are simple and consistent, yet they are important. She simply takes God’s lead and takes the next step forward. She does the hard things of life because she feels she is called to do these things. Then she “coincidentally” meets Boaz who is so incredibly kind to her. Did she wonder whether his kindness was true kindness or kindness with strings attached? We don’t know. What we do know is that what seemed was simple coincidence turns out to be God’s hand at work. I know how the story of Ruth and Boaz ends and it ends in happiness and love and great blessings because of the seemingly small, hard, and faithful choices she made.We too often feel small and wonder what God’s ‘great plan’ is for our lives. I am encouraged to stop wondering and waiting. I am encouraged to keep moving forward, trusting, believing, and keep working for God’s Kingdom. We cannot take the storybook of our life and turn to the last chapter and see how it all turns out. We aren’t meant to know the whole of our story. We are meant to follow God’s lead and move forward one step at a time. Each of our acts of faithfulness and kindness, as small as they may seem, are part of the greater Kingdom work. They are important. They mean something and are an important part of the big picture.
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Cathy BarkmanS – 10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”O – Three things stand out in this scripture for me. 1. Boaz is kind and generous person. 2. Boaz is aware of the people around him. He knew some of Ruth’s story. 3. Boaz gives Ruth a blessing as he asks God to reward her for what she has done.A – These three points are reminders to me to be kind and generous and to pay attention to the happenings and people around me so that I can be a blessing to someone else who is going through a difficult time. I am also reminded that God looked after all of His people in Ruth’s time and continues to do so today.P – Father, thank you for taking care of us as we go through difficult times in our lives. Thank you that there are people like Boaz in the world who are kind and generous, looking after the needs of those who need a helping hand. We acknowledge that you have always provided for and looked after your people and will continue to do so. Amen
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