By Carol Caddell, Education Counselor
Feburary is a month where we give valentines to those we love -- or to those we wish to express interest in. It is often asked "how do you know when someone loves you?" This question was asked of a bishop by someone who was about to enter into a convenant of marriage in the temple. The bishop answered..."What are they willing to sacrifice for you?"
Love is a verb that denotes action and is demonstrated in the story of Ruth. This story beautifully illustrates the conversion of a non-Israelite into the fold of Israel, giving up her former God and former life, to unite with the household of faith in the service of the God of Israel. Ruth, born a Moabite -- Semetic people related to Abraham. They were descendants of Lot and one of his daughters. She marries a son of Naomi and Elimelech, Israelite from Bethlehem, who left because of famine in the land. Their journey took them to the country of Moab. Naomi's other son took Orpah as wife, another Moabite. Then Naomi's husband, Elimeleach, the two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, die leaving Naomi alone and the two daugher-in-laws became widows. Sad with grief, Naomi tries to reason with her two daugheter-in-laws to re-join their families in Moab. Naomi reasons that the women are young, and without children and should remarry. Ruth and Oprah initially resist, even though they love Naomi and don't want her living alone. Naomi continues to reason with them in love. Orpah finally sees the wisdom and returns to her family. Ruth utters those famous words of love and loyalty..."whither though goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; they people shall be my people, and they God, my God." So it is Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem.
Ruth makes the decision to continue on with her mother-in-law, honoring her life as she now knows, an Israelite woman. President Monson teaches, "Ruth is a model of ideal womanhood." She sensed the grief stricken heart of her mother-in-law who suffered the loss of her husband and two fine sons. Feeling perhaps the very pangs of despair and lonliness that plagued Naomi, Ruth's actions demonstrate the sincerity of her spoken words.
Ruth has undeviating loyalty to Naomi, and a committment to her faith and belief in the God of Israel. She ends up marrying Boaz, and though she is a foreigner and Moabite convert, through her marriage she becomes a great grandmother of David and therefore an ancestor of our Savior Jesus Christ.
We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should never feel as "second-class" member. Jesus taught that through Ruth, her decisions to adhere to the principle and ordinances of the Gosepel, be faithful to the very God of Israel, and stay true to what she knows to be true, she is blessed through one of th emost blessed bloodlines of all, the Savior. jesus tuaght while in his mortal state "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the greatest commandment and he further teaches the second is like unto it, thou shalt love their neighbor as theyself." Ruth demonstrated this in her life.
The story of Ruth is filled with characters of compassion. Through each of their selfless desires to live their lives in accordance to his laws and be faithful until Him, each are blessed without end. We are shown their blessing into the royal linearge of the Savior, and can recognize ours when we, as did Ruth, live our lives in accordance to His will. May we come take our place as a Woman of Compassion.
