CHARACTER KINDNESS AND MERCY New

Thursday July 10, 2025

BIBLE READING: Ruth 3:10, 4:13-22

Ruth 3:10

10. “The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

Ruth 4:13-22

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.

14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

19 And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

20 And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

21 And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

22 And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

KEY VERSE:

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD: for thou at shew more kindness in the latter end than in the beginning.

Ruth 3:10

MESSAGE: Character, Kindness, and Mercy – The Enduring Legacy of a Godly Heart

In a world increasingly characterized by self-interest, sharp competition, and a pervasive “every man for himself” mentality, the timeless virtues of character, kindness, and mercy often seem like relics of a bygone era. Yet, these are not mere antiquated ideals; they are the bedrock of godly relationships, the foundation of true flourishing, and the very essence of God’s nature. Today’s devotional invites us to delve into the profound narrative of Ruth and Naomi, a story that beautifully illustrates how these virtues, deeply rooted in the human heart and guided by divine grace, can transform despair into destiny and emptiness into abundance.

Our meditation opens with a popular tale, one that, despite its fictional nature, carries a potent truth about the transformative power of genuine affection and intentional kindness. It’s the story of a newly married wife, driven to desperation by incessant tension and squabbles with her mother-in-law. Seeking a drastic solution, she turns to her father, who, instead of offering a genuine antidote, hands her a bottle containing a “poisonous substance” meant to slowly, subtly end the mother-in-law’s life. The father’s instruction, however, comes with a peculiar condition: during this waiting period, the daughter-in-law must exhibit unwavering kindness, patience, and sweetness towards her mother-in-law. The irony unfolds as, day by day, through sustained acts of deliberate kindness, the two women begin to bridge their divide. Genuine affection blossoms, respect takes root, and an unbreakable bond of love replaces the bitterness. Fearing the impending “poison” and now genuinely loving the woman she once despised, the daughter-in-law rushes back to her father, desperate for an antidote. To her immense relief and joy, she discovers the “poison” was merely a sweetener, a catalyst for a transformed relationship. And so, the story concludes: she lives happily ever after with her mother-in-law, a testament to the power of kindness, even when initially deployed under false pretenses.

This tale, though fictional, beautifully prefaces the real-life narrative of Naomi and Ruth. Unlike the fictional squabbles, Naomi and Ruth never had to endure such tension. Their relationship was not just free from conflict; it was built on an unshakable foundation of character, kindness, and mercy. Their bond transcended the typical in-law dynamic, becoming a profound demonstration of covenant love and unwavering loyalty. Ruth, a Moabite woman, found herself widowed, childless, and a foreigner in a strange land. She had every societal justification to return to her own people, to seek a new life, a new husband, and perhaps a more comfortable future elsewhere. The offer was even given by Naomi herself (Ruth 1:8-9). Yet, in a powerful display of devotion born of character and fueled by mercy, Ruth made an extraordinary commitment to her equally bereaved, despaired, aged, and feeble mother-in-law. Her iconic words, “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 1:16-17), echo through the ages as a testament to unparalleled loyalty and self-sacrificial love.

This unwavering commitment, this profound act of mercy and kindness, did not go unrewarded. It inherently begets mercy and kindness in return. Through Naomi’s wise and experienced guidance – a testament to a restored relationship and mutual respect – Ruth was not only established in a new land but found a loving and secure marriage to Boaz, a man of outstanding character and wealth. This union led to the birth of Obed, a son who would become not just a restorer for Naomi in her old age, but a vital link in the messianic lineage, the grandfather of King David, and ultimately, an ancestor of Jesus Christ Himself. The women of the town, observing this harmonious relationship and the astonishing unfolding of divine favor, bore witness to its beauty as they blessed Naomi, proclaiming, “May this child restore your youth and care for you in your old age” (Ruth 4:15). This blessing wasn’t just for Naomi, but a reflection of the fruit born from Ruth’s extraordinary character, kindness, and mercy.

This powerful story compels us to reflect deeply: Do you consider mercy and kindness in your daily actions, decisions, and choices? Or are your interactions driven by self-preservation, convenience, or a tit-for-tat mentality? The answers to these questions profoundly shape not only your relationships but also your destiny.

The Essence of Character: Beyond Reputation

Before diving deeper into kindness and mercy, we must first establish the foundation: character. Character is not merely a reputation—what people think you are—but who you truly are when no one is watching. It’s the sum total of your ethical and moral qualities, your integrity, your principles, and your inner strength. Ruth exemplified extraordinary character. Her decision to stay with Naomi was not born out of obligation but out of an intrinsic moral fiber that valued loyalty, familial love, and a deep sense of devotion, even in the face of immense personal hardship and an uncertain future.

1. Integrity and Honesty: A person of character is honest in their dealings, trustworthy in their words, and consistent in their actions. They don’t compromise their values for personal gain or convenience. This builds trust, which is the bedrock of any healthy relationship, be it personal or professional.

2. Faithfulness and Loyalty: As seen in Ruth, character manifests in unwavering faithfulness. Even when it was logical and perhaps easier to abandon Naomi, Ruth’s character compelled her to remain loyal. This kind of loyalty is rare and profoundly impactful, drawing respect and blessing.

3. Humility: Character is often accompanied by humility, the ability to put others before oneself and to acknowledge one’s limitations. Ruth, despite her inherent nobility, humbly followed Naomi’s instructions and presented herself in a vulnerable position before Boaz. Her humility paved the way for her elevation.

4. Resilience and Perseverance: Life inevitably presents challenges. Character equips us to face adversity with strength, to endure hardships, and to persevere in doing what is right, even when it’s difficult. Ruth’s journey was fraught with hardship, but her character enabled her to press on towards a hopeful future.

In a society that often rewards outward appearances and superficial successes, God prioritizes true character. It is the soil from which genuine kindness and mercy grow. Without a foundation of character, acts of kindness can be performative, and displays of mercy can be conditional or self-serving. But when kindness and mercy spring from a deeply rooted character, they carry authentic power and produce lasting fruit.

Kindness: The Language of Love in Action

Kindness is more than just being “nice.” It’s an active, intentional expression of goodwill towards others, driven by love and compassion. Boaz’s first interaction with Ruth perfectly illustrates the multifaceted nature of true kindness (Ruth 2:8-16):

1. Thoughtful Consideration: Boaz didn’t just notice Ruth; he actively inquired about her. He then commanded his young men not to bother her and even to leave extra grain for her. This was kindness in action, going above and beyond what was expected. He saw her vulnerability and chose to protect and provide.

2. Respect and Honor: Despite Ruth being a foreign Moabite, Boaz treated her with immense respect, acknowledging her reputation for loyalty to Naomi. He honored her character, which in turn fostered a sense of dignity in Ruth. True kindness recognizes and affirms the inherent worth of others.

3. Generosity Beyond Expectation: Boaz didn’t just allow Ruth to glean; he made provisions for her to glean abundantly and even offered her water from his own wells. This generosity was an overflow of his kind heart, reflecting a spirit that delights in giving and supporting.

4. Practical Help: Kindness isn’t abstract; it’s tangible. Boaz provided practical help that directly addressed Ruth’s immediate needs for food and security. Many people talk about kindness, but true kindness shows up in concrete ways to alleviate burdens and provide solutions.

5. Affirmation and Encouragement: Boaz’s words to Ruth were deeply affirming, blessing her for her faithfulness to Naomi (Ruth 2:11-12). Words of kindness and affirmation can be as nourishing as food, lifting spirits and strengthening resolve.

The Bible is replete with exhortations to kindness. Ephesians 4:32 urges us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Colossians 3:12 calls us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), indicating that it is a supernatural virtue, cultivated in us by God’s indwelling presence. When we choose kindness, we reflect the very nature of God, who is kind even to the ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35).

The story of the “poison” that was a “sweetener” perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of consistent kindness. It can disarm hostility, melt hardened hearts, and build bridges where walls once stood. It creates an atmosphere where mercy can flow and relationships can flourish.

Mercy: Compassion in Action

Mercy is closely related to kindness but specifically involves showing compassion or forgiveness to someone who is in a position of powerlessness, distress, or who has wronged you. It’s not getting what you deserve, or receiving what you don’t earn. Ruth received mercy, and she also extended it.

1. Ruth’s Mercy to Naomi:

Ruth’s initial act of choosing to stay with Naomi, despite having every right and reason to leave, was a profound act of mercy (Ruth 1:16-17). Naomi was “despaired, aged, and feeble,” with no prospects. Ruth, in her youth and with potential for a new life, chose to sacrificially pour into her mother-in-law’s empty life. This was mercy: compassionately taking on the burden of another, even when not obligated.

2. Boaz’s Mercy to Ruth:

Boaz’s actions towards Ruth were brimming with mercy. He extended favor to a vulnerable foreigner, a gleaner who had no rights to his fields (Ruth 2:14-16). His willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:9-13; Ruth 4:1-10) was the ultimate act of mercy, rescuing her from destitution and barrenness and granting her security, lineage, and a future. He didn’t just give her a handout; he elevated her, embraced her, and restored her position. This was a costly mercy, one that involved legal and financial obligations on his part.

The very nature of God is merciful. Psalm 103:8 declares, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Titus 3:5 states, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” We, as believers, are recipients of God’s boundless mercy through Christ, and therefore, we are called to be conduits of that same mercy to others. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Mercy is active compassion. It’s stepping into someone’s suffering or need and providing relief, not out of obligation alone, but out of a deep empathy and desire to alleviate their distress. It’s choosing to forgive rather than hold a grudge, to extend grace rather than demand justice, to show compassion to the fallen rather than condemn them.

The Synergy of Character, Kindness, and Mercy: A Legacy of Blessing

The narrative of Ruth and Naomi powerfully demonstrates the synergistic effect of these three virtues. They don’t operate in isolation; rather, they form a powerful triad that unleashes God’s blessings and leaves a lasting legacy.

• Character is the Root: It provides the internal integrity and strength necessary to consistently act with kindness and mercy, even when it’s challenging or costly.
• Kindness is the Expression: It’s the outward manifestation of a godly character, expressed in thoughtful words, generous deeds, and respectful interactions.
• Mercy is the Extension: It’s the compassionate reach towards those in need, offering grace, forgiveness, and active assistance, mirroring God’s own heart.

When these three are present, the results are transformative:

Restored Relationships: The strained relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, a common theme in human experience, was bypassed entirely in the story of Ruth and Naomi because of these virtues. Instead, their bond became a testimony of mutual love and support, leading to a restored life for Naomi.

Divine Favor and Provision: Ruth’s character, kindness, and mercy towards Naomi did not go unnoticed by God or by men. Boaz, a man of character himself, was drawn to her virtues, leading to their marriage and securing her future. God honored her faithfulness with a home, a husband, and a child.

Legacy Beyond Expectation: Who would have imagined that a widowed Moabite foreigner, living a life of destitution, would become the great-grandmother of Israel’s greatest king, David, and ultimately, an ancestor of Jesus Christ? This incredible legacy was directly tied to her unwavering commitment to character, kindness, and mercy. Her story is immortalized in sacred scripture, not for her worldly status, but for her godly virtues.

Community Blessing: The women of the town observed the harmonious relationship and the subsequent blessing, offering praise to the Lord and affirming Obed’s role as a “restorer of life” and “nourisher of old age.” A life lived with character, kindness, and mercy doesn’t just bless the individual; it impacts and blesses the entire community, drawing others to recognize God’s hand.

Personal Reflection: Do You Consider Mercy and Kindness?

This is the poignant question that the devotional leaves us with: Do you consider mercy and kindness in your actions, decisions, and choices? It’s not enough to admire these virtues; we are called to embody them.

In Your Family: Are you patient and understanding with your spouse, children, or parents, even when they are difficult? Do you extend grace and forgiveness, or do you hold grudges?

In Your Workplace: Do you treat colleagues and subordinates with respect and fairness, even when you have authority? Are you quick to offer a helping hand or a kind word, or are you focused solely on your own advancement?

In Your Community: Do you look for opportunities to serve those less fortunate, to offer compassion to the distressed, or to extend a helping hand to a neighbor in need?

In Your Words: Are your words seasoned with grace and kindness, building others up, or are they harsh, critical, or judgmental?

In Your Finances: Do you consider the needs of others when making financial decisions? Are you generous and merciful with your resources, remembering the poor and the work of the Kingdom?

In Difficult Situations: When someone wrongs you, is your first instinct to seek revenge or to extend mercy and forgiveness? This is where character is truly tested.

Considering mercy and kindness means making a conscious, deliberate choice to act in alignment with God’s heart, even when it goes against our natural inclinations or societal norms. It means actively seeking opportunities to bless others, to show compassion, and to offer grace. It means remembering that we ourselves are recipients of immense mercy and kindness from God, and therefore, we are obligated to pass it on.

The benefits that follow from being kind and merciful are not just for others; they boomerang back to us. As the prayer states, “cause me to also receive the benefits that follow from being so.” These benefits include:

Peace and Joy: There’s an inner peace and joy that comes from living a life of kindness and generosity.

Stronger Relationships: Kindness and mercy build trust, deepen bonds, and create harmonious relationships.

Divine Favor: God blesses those who are merciful and kind, as seen in the life of Ruth.

A Clear Conscience: Living with integrity and compassion brings inner tranquility.

A Lasting Legacy: Your life will leave a positive impact on others and bring glory to God, long after you are gone.

Let the story of Ruth and Naomi be a constant reminder that character, kindness, and mercy are not weaknesses but immense strengths. They are the pathways to divine favor, restored relationships, and a rich, impactful life that truly reflects the heart of our gracious God.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, incline my heart to be kind and merciful. Search my heart and remove any hardness, bitterness, or selfishness that hinders me from embodying these virtues. Help me to treat others as You have treated me, with unwavering compassion and grace. Cause me to also receive the benefits that follow from being so, that my life may glorify Your name and draw others to Your love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

CONTACT: To speak to a Pastor for Prayers & Counselling, please call, text or WhatsApp chat the phone numbers: +2348160525695, +2348034920168

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

Psalm 1-3; Acts 16:1-15