Have students read Matthew 22:37–39 and identify how we are to love God and others. What were the fruits of her selflessness?Įxplain to students that in contrast to many of the stories in Judges, the book of Ruth contains the story of people who were selfless-they thought of the needs of others before they thought of themselves. Which tree would represent Samson’s life? What words would you use to describe the fruits of each of those trees? Discuss answers to the following questions: Label the trunk of one tree Selfish and the trunk of the other Selfless. As we put God first in our lives and think of others before ourselves, we experience greater blessings and happiness.ĭraw two trees on the board. What qualities did Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz have that you would like to make a part of your lives? Why do you think the story of Ruth was preserved for us in the Bible? Read with students the words of Paul in Ephesians 2:19, emphasizing the phrase “no more strangers and foreigners.” How can we apply his example with investigators and new converts to the Church? How is Boaz an example of the already-converted Church member in the way he treated this “foreigner” to the gospel? How can they use Ruth’s example as they make these changes in their lives? What are some of the challenges that converts today have as they accept the gospel? What do we learn about the kind of man Boaz was? In Ruth 2, what do we learn about Ruth from what she did to support herself and her mother-in-law? What was her life like in Israel? (She was poor and had to glean fields for food.) Why would it have been hard for Ruth to do what she did? Have the students show scriptural references that give evidence for their answers. What was the real source of Ruth’s commitment? Have the rest of the class think about what they would say if they were Ruth or Orpah. Ask them to act in character and have a conversation as they imagine it would have happened between these two sisters-in-law as they decided whether to go to a foreign land with their mother-in-law. Invite two students to role play the parts of Ruth and Orpah in front of the class. Use the commentary for Ruth 1–4 in Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel ( pp. 261–65) for help as needed. Write a brief description next to each name on the board. Have the students quickly read Ruth 1–2 and tell who each person was. To help students become acquainted with the story in Ruth 1–2, write the following names on the board: Ruth, Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion, Naomi, Orpah, and Boaz. Those who are committed to the Lord show their commitment by acting with humility, courage, and kindness to others. The Lord blesses those who, with love, care for their aging parents and relatives (see Ruth 1:16–19 4:1–8). Heavenly Father will accept those of all nations who come unto Him and keep His commandments (see Ruth 1:16–17 2:11–12 3:13–17 see also Acts 10:34–35). Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For Her small efforts, linked significantly to a later great event, tell me that each of us can take seriously the importance of our daily lives and decisions as we choose to follow God” (“Confidence through Conversion,” Ensign, Nov. Clyde, who was then a counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, noted: “Ruth confidently met hardships not uncommon in our time-the death of a loved one, loneliness in a new place, and the need to work hard for her bread. Given this theme of redemption, it is interesting to note that Jesus Christ was one of her descendants (see Matthew 1:5–16). Through Boaz, who “redeemed” her (see Ruth 4:4–10), Ruth was fully accepted as an Israelite, became a woman of some wealth, entered the covenant of marriage again, and had children. She was poor, a widow, and had no children. There is also an underlying theme of redemption in her story. If we do, all things will eventually work to our good. The story of Ruth encourages us to make good decisions and face challenges with courage. It reminds us that individual goodness can exist even in a wicked world. In contrast to the book of Judges, which contains many sad stories of apostasy in Israel, the story of Ruth is an account of faith, devotion, and Christlike charity.
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