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The cost of loyalty

 [WOMEN of the Old Testament] 

RUTH: The cost of loyalty_ 

Ruth 1-2 

 
A university student wrote to J R R Tolkien after reading Lord of the Rings... “You have made loyalty and courage more meaningful to me.” 

Even with the recent success of the films ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ and the TV show ‘Rings of Power’ loyalty still doesn’t get much press today. 
Even when it’s present in people’s lives, it’s not heralded or championed like it used to when people would sign their letters “Your loyal friend”. 

 
[Group discussion starter] What does loyalty look like in a person? 

What keeps us from being loyal to our family and friends – and even to God? 

 
The book of Ruth is a simple story about the cost and value of loyalty. 
It takes place during the time of the Judges, which were dark and turbulent days for Israel. It provides us with a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who show care and loyalty for each other – that reflects God’s character... 

 
[Read Ruth 1] 

 
What turbulent circumstances brought Ruth, a Moabite woman, into Naomi’s family? 
 

 

What could be the issues that Ruth might face in this cross-cultural marriage?  
 

 

In contrast to Orpah’s, what are the implications of Ruth’s choice? 
 

 

What evidence do you see that Ruth’s decision involves more than just attachment to Naomi? 

What, if any, choices have you made that are similar to Ruth’s? 

 

[Read Ruth 2] 

Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest (1:22). 

What does Ruth’s willingness to be a gleaner tell us about her? 
 

 

In Ruth 2:11-12, how is the regard that Boaz has for Ruth (and her position in Israel) different from how Ruth sees herself? 
 

 

Put yourself in Ruth’s shoes... How would it feel to be a foreigner, needing to work hard to support your mother-in-law? 
 

 

What do you think motivates Ruth’s hard work and her loyalty to Naomi? 

What motives your own loyalty? 
 

 

What loyalties are important to you, as a Christian, regardless of cost? 

How could you encourage those loyalties?    

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