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Valentine’s Day is this week, which means the stores are full of candy, flowers, and balloons. There are many little ways to express your love. But, I’d like to tell you a love story that began with seemingly small acts that proved to be far more valuable than store-bought gifts.
Long ago, during a famine, two widows journeyed to settle in Bethlehem, the only nearby land that promised food. Naomi, a mother-in-law, widowed for 10 years, but embittered by the recent loss of her two sons, was accompanied by Ruth, the faithful daughter-in-law still in mourning for the loss of her young husband as well.
After weeks of travel, they arrived tired and destitute. The Law of Moses commanded that the corners of every field should not be harvested so the poor could gather what was left over from the harvesters. To provide food for herself and Naomi, Ruth gleaned fallen grain from the fields of Naomi’s relative, Boaz.
So begins one of the most romantic stories ever told. If you are unfamiliar with this story, read the short, but powerful Old Testament book of Ruth. It ends with the marriage of Ruth to Boaz, establishing them as a couple after God’s own heart and in the lineage of Jesus
But, the grand “happily-ever-after” ending was not based on the romantic emotions that drive many modern relationships. Ultimately, Ruth and Boaz founded their relationship on trust. They built their trust from seeing character exhibited in the little things. This led to ultimately what every couple desires – a true love built on trust and faithfulness.
Faithfulness is encouraged as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is essential for your marriage. Faithfulness means that each spouse can count on the other to do what each says they will do, be where they say they’ll be, and do what needs to be done.
As a couple, be your spouse’s Number One cheerleader. Pay attention to all he or she does for you and others. Then count the ways you can openly and personally praise and encourage them. Encouragement is invaluable to your spouse and builds a stronger marriage.
Trust is fragile. It is slowly obtained over time, but it can be lost in an instant. As with Boaz and Ruth, begin to build diligence, devotion, patience, thoughtfulness, discretion, generosity, compassion, and honesty in your marriage. These godly character qualities combine to create a couple after God’s own heart.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my marriage.The pressures and chores of a wife and mom never seem to end. The roles and responsibilities of a husband and father weigh heavily. Please help my spouse and I value and appreciate all the other does.Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Couple After God’s Own Heart teaches secrets to a great marriage by learning from biblical couples, such as Boaz and Ruth. Get started by taking our fun free challenge, “5 Ways in 5 Days to be a Closer Couple.”
REFLECT
What godly traits do you see in your spouse and need to encourage this week?
How would you rate your faithfulness even in the “little” things?
REMEMBER
Your spouse is counting on you, so faithfulness must be part of your daily walk.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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