One Another
Session 2: Love For One Another
by Pastor Carmen
The first category of the ‘one another’ commands and instructions found in the New Testament is LOVE. Two of these Scripture verses are:
- Loving one another is a “commandment” – John 13:34
Jesus reminded his disciples to love one another just as he had loved them unto death on the Cross.
- Holiness precedes our love for one another – 1 Peter 1:22
There is no true love in those with an unclean heart. ‘Christian love’ must be from the heart – true, pure, and unfeigned.
The Book of Ruth beautifully exemplifies the essence of love found in the relationships between Naomi, Ruth & Boaz.
What Does This Story Show You About LOVE?
Some of the many traits found in this story are:
- Naomi’s LOVE that was SELFLESS
Even though Naomi will be alone, she urged her daughters-in-law to return to their families so as they may remarry and live better. She wanted for their good instead of her own welfare. We learn from Naomi that LOVE is SELFLESS.
- Ruth’s LOVE that was FAITHFUL
Ruth’s courageous loyalty to her mother-in-law despite the impending life of being an alien living in a foreign land and the abandoning of her own chance of starting a new life back home. We learn from Ruth that LOVE is FAITHFUL and requires COMMITMENT.
- Boaz’s LOVE that was BENEVOLENT
Boaz’s came forth as a gentleman of honour in taking up his role of ‘kinsmen redeemer’ for the family. His kindness shielded the widows despite his own wealth to be apportioned to the family of Ruth’s first husband. Boaz shows us that LOVE is GENEROUS and seeks to PROTECT.
Naomi, Ruth & Boaz exemplified the Love for One Another.
Although the book is named after Ruth, it is the story of Naomi. The story tells about GOD’s LOVE for Naomi. She went out with full, and was emptied with nothing, but God’s faithfulness restored her, and blessed her with an eternal lineage. Her grandson was Obed (Ruth 4:16) the father of Jesse, the father of David, and the lineage to the Saviour Jesus!
“Naomi” represents all of us who were once spiritually impoverished, yet because of God’s surpassing LOVE for us, we can now be fully redeemed and restored through our Lord Jesus Christ!