Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “Blessed be he by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a relative of ours, one of our nearest kin.” ”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, October 18, 2023
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Grace
In this passage, Boaz's kindness toward Ruth continues to unfold. He invites her to share a meal with his workers, a gesture that goes beyond mere charity. It's an act of inclusion, of making Ruth feel like she belongs. Boaz's kindness doesn't stop there; he ensures that Ruth can glean safely and even allows her to take home a generous amount of grain.
What's striking here is the ripple effect of Boaz's actions. His kindness not only benefits Ruth but also Naomi, who is equally in need. It's a beautiful illustration of how acts of grace can have far-reaching impacts, touching the lives of those we may not even know.
In today's world, it's easy to underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. We often think we need to do something grand to make a difference. But this story reminds us that grace often starts small—a shared meal, a kind word, a simple gesture. And these small acts can set off a chain reaction of goodness that can change lives.
So, the next time you're wondering if your actions matter, remember Boaz and the ripple effect of his kindness. You never know how far your grace will travel or whose life it will touch.
![Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10 [4:1-11], Jonah and God’s Mercy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56b39b61ab48de92d991a40a/6bbb490e-4992-4659-a8be-02d8397d68af/24-11-10.jpg)
