So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go

away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are

harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And

whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” (Ruth 2:8-9)

Boaz's generosity and kindness toward Ruth exemplify a compassionate love that goes beyond societal

expectations. His actions teach us not just about meeting basic requirements but about exceeding

them—about going above and beyond to bless others.

In our interactions with others, God calls us to be generous and kind. Boaz's example challenges us to

examine the depth of our generosity. Are we willing to go the extra mile in extending kindness and

generosity to those around us? Do we limit our generosity to the bare minimum, or are we open-handed

with our blessings?

Generosity, as exemplified by Boaz, involves not only material provisions but also a generosity of

spirit—a kindness that transcends societal norms. Boaz's actions serve as a reminder that love is not

merely about meeting expectations; it's about going above and beyond, reflecting the lavish love that

God has shown us.

As Christians, God calls us to love others by meeting their needs. Ruth was in a tenuous situation as a

stranger and foreigner who was gleaning in someone else’s field. How would she be treated by the

owner or the servants of that owner, none of whom she knew or who knew her? She could have been

overlooked, neglected, or even subject to abuse. Since she was unknown, would anyone think they

owed her anything?

Yet Boaz, having been told by his foreman all that Ruth had done for her mother-in-law, showed her

great favor and pronounced a blessing on her: “May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May

you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take

refuge” (Ruth 2:12). And Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth reflected his concern and care for her.

Boaz's generosity toward Ruth reflects the biblical principle of giving, as emphasized by Jesus in Luke

6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running

over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Boaz

goes beyond the expected, and his actions align with the teaching that generous giving results in

abundance.

By Jim Connell

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

JesusIsLordBlog.com.