The Book of Ruth offers one of the most inspiring examples of faith, loyalty, and humility in the Bible.
All these characteristics of Ruth, we must try to embody!
I wrote a little about Ruth in Powerful Praying Women of the Bible but never went in depth.
So, who is Ruth?
Ruth, a Moabite widow, chose a path filled with uncertainty, demonstrating unwavering loyalty not only to her mother-in-law, Naomi, but also to God.
Scripture reference (Ruth 1:16-17)
We can learn so much about Ruth and allow her life to point toward a faith that trust God’s plan in spite of what natural eyes see.
Her grace-filled actions echo a legacy that believers continue to draw lessons from today.
Let’s explore these characteristics of Ruth in the Bible and what they teach us about living a life grounded in Godly principles.
1. Loyalty
Ruth’s loyalty is perhaps her most defining characteristic. Her decision to stay with Naomi after their husbands died is a powerful testament to her steadfast commitment.
In Ruth 1:16-17, she famously declared:
“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.”
Ruth willingly left her homeland, her culture, and even her gods to adopt Naomi’s God and people as her own.
Now that isn’t just a kind gesture to her mother-in-law. It’s a covenant drenched in love and faith!
Ruth’s unwavering loyalty extended beyond her relationship with Naomi. It was also a demonstration of her dedication to her newfound faith in the God of Israel.
This loyalty serves as a reminder to stay faithful in our relationships and trust in God’s plans.
Let’s be honest, this level of loyalty is rare and challenges modern relationships.
How often do we commit this deeply to someone or something?
Looking at Ruth, we recognize a love that utterly sacrifices personal comfort for the sake of others.
It’s a loyalty fueled not by obligation but by devotion. An example that reminds us to evaluate our own commitments!
Impact of Loyalty on Her Life
I know some may say, they will never take the risk that Ruth takes. Or you may ask what will you get out of submitting to God wholeheartedly.
But hear this:
Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi didn’t just alter her own destiny; it changed the course of history!
Her loyalty led her to Boaz, who not only redeemed her but also blessed Naomi.
Through their union, Ruth eventually became an ancestor of King David and, incredibly, of Jesus Christ Himself. Talk about a ripple effect!
Also, Ruth’s actions gave Naomi hope during her darkest season.
Naomi, who once called herself Mara (meaning “bitter”), found redemption through Ruth’s love and perseverance.
Nothing that you do for God go unseen!
2. Kindness
Ruth’s kindness shines in her selflessness and care for Naomi. Despite being a widow herself, she took on the role of a provider.
By gleaning in the fields, she ensured they both had enough to eat.
Gleaning is a practice of collecting leftover grain in fields after the harvesters finished their work.
Her unyielding kindness earned her favor with Boaz, which eventually led to her redemption.
The Bible constantly emphasizes kindness as a reflection of God’s love.
Ruth’s example challenges us to be generous and loving, even in the face of adversity.
In Ruth 2:2, she says to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”
Imagine this: under the blazing sun, Ruth bent down repeatedly to gather grains.
She worked from morning till night, driven by a love that didn’t allow her to sit idle while Naomi suffered.
Her labor wasn’t about herself; it was about ensuring they both survived.
Can you picture this level of selflessness in action?
3. Faithfulness to God
Although Ruth grew up in Moab, a land of idol worship, her faith in the God of Israel became evident after her marriage.
And strengthened after her husband’s death!
She chose to follow Naomi’s God wholeheartedly, showing a faith that moved beyond cultural or familial boundaries.
Her story highlights the importance of trusting God even when the future seems uncertain.
Her faith serves as a model for believers navigating through difficult life transitions.
Picture this: Ruth was walking away from everything familiar, stepping into a land and faith she barely knew.
This choice mirrored the idea of “letting go and letting God,” as often seen in our walk with Christ.
For Ruth, faith wasn’t passive; it was active, demanding her trust and obedience even in the face of uncertainty.
4. Perseverance
Ruth’s determination is evident in her actions. Despite being a foreigner in Bethlehem, she didn’t let fear or prejudice deter her.
She worked tirelessly, gleaning in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself.
Perseverance enabled her to push through hardships and emerge stronger.
Through Ruth’s life, we learn the value of resilience and hard work, especially when standing firm in our faith.
5. Humility
Gleaning from the fields was a task reserved for the poor, yet Ruth embraced it with humility.
She never grumbled or resented her circumstances.
She even approached Boaz humbly, with great respect and acknowledgment of his position.
Ruth’s humility reminds us to be content and obedient, trusting that God sees our faithfulness and will reward it in His time.
6. Courage
It took enormous courage for Ruth to leave her homeland, Moab, and journey to a foreign land with Naomi.
Her bravery didn’t stop there.
When Naomi suggested she approach Boaz, Ruth boldly took a step of faith.
How many times you allow fear of the unknown stop you from going after your dreams?
Ruth proves that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the determination to act in faith despite it.
Never allow fear to stop you instead move forward in faith!
7. Dedication
Ruth’s dedication to Naomi’s well-being was unshaken.
She went above and beyond in her commitment to provide for her emotionally and physically.
This same dedication extended to building a life grounded in God’s laws and His promises.
Dedication is a characteristic that strengthens our faith journeys, helping us prioritize meaningful relationships and spiritual growth.
8. Resourcefulness
One thing I love about Ruth is that she’s able to make use of what’s before her.
Many times, we put of our goals because we’re waiting for the right opportune time.
Then guess what, months passed then years.
Ruth’s ingenuity is evident in how she made the best of her circumstances.
Leveraging the provision made for gleaners, she supported herself and Naomi.
She wasn’t passive but actively sought out solutions.
Her resourcefulness inspires us to adopt a proactive attitude and seize opportunities to improve our situations.
9. Connection with Others
Ruth formed deep bonds with those around her, from her close relationship with Naomi to her respectful interactions with Boaz.
Her ability to build meaningful connections speaks of her warmth and integrity.
This reminds us of the importance of fostering strong, God-centered relationships in our lives.
I used to have this mindset that I can do it all by myself and don’t need anyone.
Truthfully, I still battle these thoughts every so often.
One day my mother corrected me and said that God uses people to bless others….
10. Obedience
Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions with absolute trust and obedience.
Whether it was gleaning in the fields or approaching Boaz on the threshing floor, she acted without hesitation.
Her life underscores how obedience to God and wise counsel can open doors to blessings.
11. Trust in God’s Provision
Ruth trusted that God would provide, even when she had no tangible evidence of how.
Her trust was rewarded through Boaz, who became her kinsman-redeemer.
This faith in provision is a lesson in surrendering our worries to God, knowing He has a plan for our lives.
12. Love
The love Ruth demonstrated for Naomi was extraordinary.
She chose self-sacrifice over personal comfort and tirelessly worked on Naomi’s behalf.
This love foreshadows the selfless love of Jesus.
It encourages us to cultivate love that is pure, intentional, and centered on serving others.
The Legacy of Ruth: An Inspirational Figure
In Ruth 2:12, Boaz declares: “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.”
Boaz, a man of great character and faith himself, became Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer.
Leading to her redemption and her pivotal role in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
This show the extraordinary ways God uses individuals to fulfill His promises.
Ruth in the Genealogy of Jesus
Ruth holds a remarkable place in biblical history as one of the few women listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17).
This Moabite widow, symbolizes God’s inclusive grace and His ability to bring redemption through the most unexpected people and circumstances.
In Ruth 4:13-17, we read about her marriage to Boaz and how their union led to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David.
This lineage ultimately resulted in the birth of Jesus Christ, connecting Ruth directly to the Savior of the world.
Think about that: a foreigner, once outside God’s covenant people, became integral to His salvation plan.
Her inclusion in Christ’s lineage highlights God’s purpose for every individual, regardless of their past or origin.
This echoes the message of grace we find throughout Scripture.
That God’s love and plans extend to all who believe in Him.
Ruth’s story encourages us to reflect on our own legacy.
How might God use our lives for purposes far beyond what we can imagine?
Final thoughts on Characteristics of Ruth
Ruth’s characteristics in the Bible paint a picture of what it means to live a life of faith, love, and perseverance.
From her loyalty to Naomi to her trust in God’s provision.
Ruth demonstrates how ordinary actions of obedience and kindness can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Let us reflect on her story and strive to emulate her unwavering faith, steadfast love, and God-centered approach to life.
Which of Ruth’s traits inspires you the most?
Head over 10 Godly Habits of Christian Women for more inspiration.
