Today I read Ruth 1, in which Naomi left Bethlehem with a husband and sons but returned with a daughter-in-law named Ruth. Today I considered that sometimes loyal family members come from a chosen commitment.

Naomi and Ruth Go to Bethlehem

Naomi lost family members but gained a loyal daughter (Ruth 1:1-22). Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons left Bethlehem Judah to go to Moab because of a famine. Elimelech died then his sons married. The sons died then Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem because the Lord was feeding his children. Naomi’s daughters-in-law wanted to follow her, but she told them to return to their people. Orpah returned. Ruth, the Moabitess, refused and promised to be of her people, follow her God, and let nothing but death part them. Naomi and Ruth made it to Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

Questions and Thoughts for Today

Sometimes in-laws are so wonderful that they are like real family that you never want to part from. Naomi appears to be a great mother to her daughters-in-law such that both were willing to follow her to a foreign country. Ruth loved Naomi so much that she refused to be parted from her when told to return to the people of her birth. Ruth and Naomi is a beautiful example of a chosen commitment of love between a daughter and mother.

Do you know someone who married into or was adopted into a family that truly showed they loved them?