My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
Ruth 3:1
Naomi was an older woman. Ruth had made an extraordinary commitment to care for her, but what would happen when Naomi was gone? Naomi gives us a marvellous example of love.
Love appreciates what others have done and seeks to do good for them. “Should I not seek rest for you that it may be well with you?” (3:1). There is a real change here. Naomi’s thoughts had all been about herself and her loss. But God’s provision through Ruth and Boaz gave her new hope and a new purpose. Her focus now is on what she can do for Ruth.
Love wants others to enjoy gifts we have not received. Naomi wants Ruth to find another husband. God did not give Naomi another husband, but Naomi wants Ruth to have what she was not given. There is not a hint of envy here; no sense of Why should she have an easier life when mine has been so hard? Love rejoices with those who rejoice.
Love moves a person in the direction of rest. Notice that marriage is described here very beautifully as “rest.” “Should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” (3:1). Marriage is a good gift from God in which one man and one woman are brought together in a lasting union of love and mutual support, in which they find rest. Naomi wants Ruth to find a husband, and she thinks she knows who that husband should be!
Who has shown this kind of love to you? How can you show the same love to them? Think about what Jesus Christ has done for you. What will you now do for Him?
