And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before.” Ruth 2:11
Things that are done in the home in secret are often thought of as private and that no one knows about it. Yet, it is these actions that show the true character of a person. It shows what they are really like, instead of just putting on a show for the public.
People also talk and learn about what a person is really like. Everywhere a person goes, others are watching and listening. They are subconsciously finding out what a person is really like.
When Ruth and Naomi had moved to Bethlehem, Ruth had begun to gather leftover grain in the field of Boaz. After hearing about her, Boaz made sure she was given extra grain, providing abundantly for her. Ruth noticed the extra provision and asked him why he was treating her so well. He told her that it was because he had learned of everything she had done, leaving her family and homeland to stay with Ruth in a foreign land.
Ruth’s character of selflessness, loyalty, and caring was seen by everyone. Her character had preceded her to others, giving her extra favor.
A person’s character will be seen by other people, whether it is good or bad. If it is a bad character, people will stay away and not trust them. If it is a good character, they will come near and be faster to support.
Believers also show some character. Their character is to be one that portrays that of Jesus Christ. One of love, mercy, grace, kindness, patience, and more. Although these are the characteristics believers should show, many are showing the characteristics of the world: hatred, jealousy, anger, rudeness, and impatience.
People are watching you and wanting to know who you really are. They are trying to find out if your actions are matching your words.
If your character is matching that of Jesus, people will be faster to listen to you talk about Him. They will know that you are real in what you say, and they will believe that the reason for this is because of Jesus.
If your character is like that of the world’s, then no one will listen to you talk about Jesus.
What is your character saying about you?
I pray today that you will live like Jesus did; that your character will match that of Jesus; that you will live true to God before all people; and that you will see God’s favor on your life.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
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