In the unfolding narrative from Ruth, we witness a beautiful mix of gratitude and humility in response to

Boaz’s love. Ruth's journey from a foreigner gleaning in the fields to the recipient of Boaz's extraordinary

kindness reveals a profound lesson on how we should respond to unexpected and undeserved love,

both in our earthly relationships and in our relationship with God.

Ruth, having committed herself to Naomi and embarked on a humble endeavor to glean in the fields for

their sustenance, encounters the love of Boaz. His kindness goes beyond the expected, ensuring her

safety, abundance in gleaning, and even instructing his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her.

Ruth's reaction is noteworthy and serves as a model for our response to the love extended to us.

Ruth's gratitude is evident in her astonishment at Boaz's kindness. In Ruth 2:10, she asks, "Why have I

found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?" Her response is marked by humility,

acknowledging the unexpected and undeserved favor bestowed upon her. Gratitude is an essential

component of our response to love. It recognizes the goodness of the giver and acknowledges that the

love received surpasses what could be earned or expected.

As Ruth did not forget Boaz's generosity, our gratitude toward God should be an ongoing response,

remembering and acknowledging His lavish love, mercy, and grace poured out on us. Praise the Lord,

my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2)

Ruth's humility is reflected in her actions. Instead of boasting or presuming upon Boaz's kindness, she

humbly asks how she has found such favor. Humility recognizes our unworthiness in the face of love. It

guards against entitlement and fosters a posture of reverence and awe. Humble yourselves before the

Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Just as Ruth's humility positioned her for greater blessings, our humility before God opens the way for

His pouring out His lavish love into our lives. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them

his way. (Psalm 25:9 NIV) If you're humble, God will bless you. These promises are all through Scripture,

like Isaiah 66:2: This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my

word.

The story of Ruth and Boaz serves as a metaphor for our relationship with God. God's love is lavish,

exceeding all expectations, and is extended to us in our unworthiness. In response to this lavish love, our

gratitude should be ceaseless and our humility profound. We must continually remember and

acknowledge God's love for us, guarding against any sense of entitlement and boasting.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of

JesusIsLordBlog.com.