Ruth Act I: Grief & Loyalty

• The story opens with Naomi experiencing tremendous loss and grief (1.1-5).
• In her suffering, Naomi (like Job) turns toward God in lament (1.13, 20-21).
• The turning point of the whole story comes when Naomi hears and trusts in a rumor of God’s goodness to his people (1.6)
• Even in a moment where she is not experiencing it personally, Naomi believes in the faithfulness of God (1.7).
• In her moment of great need, Naomi is still gracious to her daughters-in-law (1.8-13)
• Both daughters-in-law are gracious in turn (1.10) 
• Ruth in particular responds breathtaking loyalty (1.16-18)

Conclusion: Glimmers of Hope

• Naomi says she should be called Mara (bitter), but the narrator does not agree (1.20, 22).
• The steadfast love of God is already shining through (1.6, 10, 16, 22). 

Discussion Questions:

1. Can you remember a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness or demonstrated surprising loyalty? How did that feel? 
2. If we are not careful, we often miss or take for granted many examples of God’s faithful love for us. Spend some time reflecting and list where you can see God’s goodness on display.