Relentless Kindness If you’re new to Lifpoint | Worthington, take 30 seconds to fill out our Welcome Card! Have a question about today's message? Ask it here. Ruth's Relentless Kindness The book of Ruth is not just a romance; it is an explosive challenge to embody the kindness of God. The story is set during the time of the Judges, a dark period where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Naomi’s family moves to Moab, which was considered enemy territory for Israelites. The Crisis Naomi loses everything: her home, her husband, and her sons. She attempts to “fire” her daughters-in-law because she believes she can offer them nothing. It is the logical, prudent, and sensible thing for the young women to leave Naomi. Two Responses Orpah makes the sensible choice based on her circumstances. Ruth makes a covenant choice based on her character. Ruth binds herself to a woman who has no status, money, or protection. Defining True Kindness To understand this book, we must understand the Hebrew word Hesed. Mishpat (Justice) is giving someone exactly what they deserve. Tzedakah (Righteousness) is giving because of a moral duty. Hesed is extending goodness to someone who has no right to demand it. Have a question or pushback on this? Ask it here. The Nature of Hesed It is a relentless kindness that refuses to quit. It is not about fairness or duty; it is excess. The ultimate goal of the Law isn't just compliance; it is character. Ruth isn't just being a “good person”; she is being a God-like person. The Gospel Connection Before Hesed was a virtue of Ruth, it was the defining characteristic of God. We often limit our kindness due to judgment (they reaped what they sowed) or fatigue. Human love has a battery life, but God’s love is a current. Have a question or pushback on this? Ask it here. Jesus as the True Ruth Naomi was bitter and difficult, yet Ruth stayed. When we were destitute and had nothing to offer, God did not turn back. Jesus left His home and moved into our neighborhood. Jesus took the emptiness we fear and absorbed it on the Cross. Our Relentless Kindness Jesus offers a new way to be human: stepping out of the “transactional economy” and into the "Economy of Grace". Hesed is rarely found in the spectacular; it is found in the mundane. 1. Find Your “Naomi” Identify the person in your life who is draining or bitter. Our instinct is to leave, but the Spirit invites us to stay. Offer kindness to someone currently incapable of being kind back. 2. Burn the Ledger We carry invisible scorecards that turn relationships into transactions. Give a gift that cannot be reciprocated. We can afford to be generous because our account is full in Christ. As always, if you'd like to talk more with me about anything we discussed, you can sign up for meeting time. If you have any questions from the message today, send them here and I'll follow up!