Boaz’s Resolve

“Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask.”

Ruth 3:11

We saw earlier what we can learn from Naomi’s example of love. There is more for us to learn about love from the example of Boaz.

Love waits. “She lay at his feet until the morning” (3:14). Boaz faced an extraordinary test of his character and integrity. If this were the movies, Ruth and Boaz would have become one that night, under the stars. Why did Boaz not say, “I love you, and you love me. Let’s become man and wife in the eyes of God right now.”?

God has given sexual union as a gift to be enjoyed within the bonds of marriage. Marriage is more than a private relationship of love between two people. Marriage is a relationship of love wrapped in the strength of the law. Ruth and Boaz model a love that waits. Because they seek the blessing of God, they are committed to obeying the law of God.

Love commits. “I will do for you all that you ask” (3:11). Boaz is ready to commit. He had clearly indicated his interest in Ruth. He had awakened her interest, and now he has no hesitation in committing himself to her. Self-interest wants to keep all options open. But love commits, knowing that joy and blessing will follow.

Love gives. “He measured out six measures of barley and put it on her” (3:15). Six measures was about 80 pounds. The size of the gift was an indication not only of Boaz’s commitment to Ruth, but of the blessing he would bring into both Ruth and Naomi’s lives.

Love waits. Love commits. Love gives.

How does this description of love square with our culture’s definition? How would you compare the lasting impact of following either definition?