Dear Father,

There is a perfect love story in Scripture that we often reference: The story of Ruth and Boaz. As easy as it may seem to discuss the divine purpose inherent in their union, we often overlook a key idea worth noting: though Boaz was wealthy, he was humble and kind; although Ruth was bereaved, she remained open hearted.

Extreme wealth and painful loss are two realities that often change people, especially in their dealings with others. A man may naturally uphold higher standards because of his wealth, and a woman may likely shut the door to her heart after experiencing what Ruth endured. Yet, we see Boaz’s wealth and Ruth’s pain as the perfect blend for a love story, when in reality, in many cases, these would have been obstacles to such a story.

This illustration reveals how even divine purpose may sometimes hang on the thread of a person’s disposition. I see how this applies in more areas than just love stories. It can be summarized this way: Ruth and Boaz possessed the fruit of the Spirit. I have learned that pain can either usher us into purpose or keep us from fulfilling it, and how justifiable it can seem when deep pain encourages rash behavior. Also, it may appear reasonable to think that wealth insulates a man from humility.

We may not always see the struggle because we love how the story ends. But when I look at Ruth and Boaz, I see people who, against all odds, maintained the fruit of the Spirit.

#LettertoGod
#Fruitofthespirit
#Wealth
#humility
#pain