The #1 Way to Give Rise to Change
Everyone desires some level of change in their life in order to bring an experience of goodness. Does this resonate with you?
Even though the book of Ruth is a story from thousands of years ago, the rawness and realness of how it speaks into this part of our lives isn’t lost. Like Naomi who loses a husband and her only two sons, each of us have endured losses in our lives. And like Naomi, the place where we find ourselves isn’t going to help.
We need to turn away from where we are, which is a place where we’re in line with the cruelty of evil’s design. We need to move home to the safety and faithfulness of the loving care of a gracious God. To make that move, we need something powerful enough to help get us there.
That something is kindness.
Kindness is the #1 way to give rise to the change you desire.
Kindness is what opens your heart to renovation. Kindness remodels despair. Kindness upends contempt. Kindness is a stimulus for change.
If you read the book of Ruth carefully, you will discover the power of kindness. Naomi’s kindness to Ruth deeply touches her young heart, which leads her to a commitment to make Naomi’s God her God. Ruth’s unexpected kindness toward Naomi is actualized in her decision to stay and go with her, which invigorates hope in Naomi in her return home. Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth despite her position as a foreigner without rights or privileges offers her the protection and provision she needs for her situation to change drastically.
As shown to us in this Old Testament narrative, kindness has the power to call us away from death and turn us toward life. It is a gift that has the potential to change everything.
When kindness is written deeply into your story, your desire for goodness breaks free from the limits of cruelty and despair. It begins to transform you, and through you it gives faith and hope to others.
Want change? Receive the kindness of God who doesn’t turn away from your mess ups in disgust. Instead, God moves toward you with an unexpected and undeserved love that touches your heart.
Know this, we pray: the kindness of God invites you be honest with the heartache you feel without fear of being shamed, judged, or punished.
FOR Lakeland
Coy