Being a Real Friend

Ruth 1: 6-18

Real Friends Think Of Others First

Orpah isn’t necessarily wrong in this story

Her husband was dead, she had no source of income, she was young enough that remarriage was absolutely still possible

There is a case to be made that she isn’t necessarily in the wrong here

Ruth experienced the same set of circumstances that Orpah did

The only difference between the two scenarios: Ruth put Naomi first. Orpah put herself first

Ruth is part of the lineage of christ. Orpah is never mentioned again in scripture

Ruth gives birth to Obed, who gives birth to Jesse, who gives birth to David

Ruth has converted to Judaism and following YHWH

This is radical as she was not born into the culture. This is an early example of the heart of the Lord for all people

When your friends experience difficult circumstances and struggle greatly, what is your priority?

Are you willing to surrender the needs you have in order to help your friend through a difficult season?

Are you caring for your friend even when you have struggles of your own?

Not advocating for neglect of personal struggle, but rather humility to recognize when your needs can wait in comparison to the needs of others

Real Friends Recognize The Hurt In Others

Naomi is bewildered at how she has outlived her whole family. Her heart is shattered.

Orpah sees the hurt, but she is not willing to help her Mother-In-Law

Ruth sees the hurt, and it becomes her immediate priority

When your friends are hurting, do you notice? Are you seeing what’s going on?

When people that aren’t your friends are hurting, are you seeing it?

We see this same idea in Jesus

Woman at the well

Real Friends Leap To Action When They See Hurt

Orpah cares greatly about these two. There is no animosity or bitterness between them. But when given permission to leave, she takes it

Ruth, pushes back

She’s unwilling to let Naomi be on her own

She knows it may cost her something, that she’s going to have to give up the idea of marriage and providence

But in Naomi’s hurt, Ruth sees that she leaving her to fend for herself

Ruth’s actions, in spite of Naomi’s hurting request for her daughters to depart, show that Ruth cares deeply about her

Ruth knows what Naomi really needs is not to be left alone, but to have others with her

“Call me If You Need Anything” “If there’s anyway I can help let me know”

Has a good heart, but is similar to the response of Orpah

Acknowledges hurt, but places the burden on the hurting

“I’m coming over with....” “I’m going to call you at () and I want to hear what’s going on....” “We’re eating lunch together today and if you don’t want to talk you don’t have to....”

You’ve just taken the burden from that person and allow them an opportunity to be loved