Introduction

By Kari Lockmiller

‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’ Ruth 1:16 NIV

The story of Ruth gives us an example of true love and faithfulness. Ruth remained faithful to God and Naomi during the most difficult time in her life. She lost her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law and she was away from her family. The friendship between Ruth and Naomi can encourage us to examine our own friendships and learn how to honour God in them.

Take the time to read Ruth 1.

Questions for Discussion

1. What do you do during hard times?

Who do you run to for help?

2. Naomi went through a really tough stretch. She really needed a true friend like Ruth that she could rely on. Naomi wanted Ruth to go home to her family because Ruth lost her husband too. Ruth chose to stay with and help Naomi.

What risks did she assume in doing so?

How can you be a Ruth?

Do you know someone who needs a friend right now?

What are some ways you could help?

3. How can you be a Naomi when you need help?

Do you feel comfortable relying on others?

Do you tend to push friends away during hard times so you can appear that you have it all together?

Why do you do this?

Do you think you are better off hiding your struggles and suffering?

Are you scared it might be an inconvenience or a bother to bring those to your brothers and sisters in Christ?

What do we miss out on by not sharing our burdens?

4. We aren’t meant to go through life alone. That’s not how God designed us to live. He created the church so we can live a life in Him together.

‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’ Ecclesiastes 4:12

What does this verse mean to you? How have you experienced it to be true?

I challenge you to think about ways you can rely more on God and the community of Christians around you this week.