Today’s reading: Ruth 3:1-6; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
There’s no question that Naomi and Ruth had a good relationship before leaving Moab. But moving and then settling together in Bethlehem has drawn this mother and daughter-in-law even closer. These two women have truly become a strong team—each contributes from her own unique life experience and brings to the team her different skillsets, strengths and personality.
God designed us to live and function at our best when we’re in relationship with other God-following people. Reading in Ruth 3 today brought to mind this passage from Ecclesiastes:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (vs. 4:9-10)
As I look back over my life, I can see that relationships have been absolutely vital. They’ve provided support, guidance, encouragement and, most importantly, spiritual growth. And those relationships have been (and continue to be) with many different people—my parents, my spouse, family members (both blood and through marriage) and special friends. Thank You, God, for creating us to be in relationship with You and with others!
Why is having and maintaining relationships, especially relationships with other Christ followers, so important? Who are the people who have been, or currently are, your support system? How are you reciprocating and returning the benefits of relationship to them? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
