Week 3: Ruth and Naomi

“Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16b). Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law Naomi reveal the depth of her love. Drawn together by the shared trials of famine, death, homelessness, and widowhood, these two women forged a friendship whose strength weathered the worst of life’s storms.

Shared experiences―even the bad ones―have a way of bonding us together. When we attend the same event, participate in the same activity, share a common meal, change a flat tire together, or ride out a blizzard in front of the same fireplace, we get to know one another at a depth we otherwise would not. We see one another’s quirks, weaknesses, and strengths more clearly. We learn more about each other’s pasts and regrets and hopes and fears. The more time you spend with someone, the more vulnerable you become, and the more the relationship grows in depth and transparency.

Being vulnerable is uncomfortable, yet it is only when we are vulnerable that we open ourselves up to the possibility of being truly known and loved. Throughout Jesus’ life, he portrays perfect vulnerability, opening himself up to ridicule for his actions, speaking truth when he knew it would be rejected, and ultimately humbling himself before God’s will at the Cross. In this weakness and vulnerability, Jesus bridged the gap between sinful humanity and God, making a way for us to have peace with our Heavenly Father. Through reconciliation with our Creator, we are set free to be vulnerable with others. Since we are fully known and loved, we have nothing to fear. Our identities are secure in Christ, opening us up to the real possibility of genuine friendship with others.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways did Ruth and Naomi depend on each other? How might they have supported each other?

2. Think of a good friend. What traits make them a good friend? How does it feel knowing they are there for you?

3. Why is friendship such a challenge? What barriers prevent us from being vulnerable? How does Jesus’ example of vulnerability embolden you?