"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

I love studying the relationship between Naomi and Ruth in the Bible. Naomi lost her men--both husband and sons--and became so bitter she changed her name to bitter! Her two daughter-in-laws were all she had left and she even tried to sabotage those relationships by sending the girls away. Misery usually loves company and a miserable person usually can't help but make everyone around them miserable as well. I imagine Orpah couldn't get out of their fast enough.

But not Ruth.

Dear Ruth loved Naomi with a relentless love and devotion not common to man. Her unwavering kindness and Faithfulness eventually won Naomi's favor and God used Ruth to absolutely save Naomi's good name as she became the ancestor in the line of King David.

Has God asked you to love someone who maybe doesn't want your love or kindness? Have you spent much time around a bitter person? Though you may want to stay as far away as possible, maybe God would rather you tuck your tail and sit a while and just show yourself faithful to people who are used to having everyone quit on them?

Be the one who loves greater. Nothing has the Power to heal the hurting, the broken, the bitter like unconditional and faith-filled love and kindness. Be the Tree that bears lasting Fruit--Peace, Joy, Love. But the greatest of these is Love.💗