Ruth…gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. (Ruth 4:13-16)

Thank God for those people of kindness who are motivated by God’s kindness (as Boaz and Ruth were in their time). But, while they can do great good, they cannot ultimately fix this broken world that breaks hearts. God has and will. Jesus acted to fix our broken world and broken hearts by the forgiving power of the cross, and he brings us hope for the future in his defeat of death (his resurrection). In Jesus we find the best reason to be like Boaz and Ruth in our time. So, how can we be like them? What’s a practical step you can take? Please talk with your growth group leaders about one-on-one’s amongst your members. A confidential and caring one-on-one provides a safe place to share from the heart. What better way to show the kindness of our God than being someone who provides a confidential, caring and safe place for another to share their heart?

Head: Do I believe that in Jesus, God has acted to fix our broken world and broken hearts by the forgiving power of the cross, and that he brings us hope for the future in his defeat of death (his resurrection)?

Heart: Does my heart desire a safe place to share from the heart?

Hands: Can I talk with my growth group leader about confidential and caring one-on-ones amongst our members?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you that in Jesus you have acted to fix our broken world and our broken hearts by the forgiving power of the cross. My hope for the future is in Jesus’ defeat of death by his resurrection from the dead, and so the hope of everlasting life with you. I ask that more and more people in our church would have the opportunity to have confidential and caring one-on-ones, so they can share from the heart in a safe place. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

A song to listen to: Cornerstone

Phil Strong