RUTH: THE SINGLE LADY

Ruth, The Single Lady

At a young age, Ruth was a widow facing a future filled with uncertainty, loneliness, and rejection. She had lost the security of her husband, her standing in society, and her place in the world. If you are experiencing the pain of feeling rejected, overlooked, or less than because of your relationship status, Ruth’s story is a reminder that even in our most difficult seasons of sorrow, loss and singleness, there is a purpose. There is a redemption.

A Courageous Choice

After the death of her husband, Ruth was a young woman left without security, a social role, or a clear path forward. She had no obvious means of support or protection and found herself vulnerable to the prejudices of the time. When her mother-in-law Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Israel after losing her own husband and sons, Ruth had to make a decision. She could remain in her homeland, where there might be opportunities to remarry, or she could follow Naomi into an unknown future. Ruth chose to go with Naomi, even though the road ahead was uncertain:

“Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

This was no small decision. Ruth was choosing loyalty to Naomi over the possibility of starting a new life in her own homeland. She was choosing faith in the unknown, abandoning any assurance of security for a path that was unclear. Ruth’s courage to choose faith in the God of Israel and loyalty to her mother-in-law over comfort is a reminder that even when we don’t know what the future holds, sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to take a step forward in trust, knowing that God is guiding our way.

Loyalty and God’s Provision

Upon arriving in Israel, Ruth began working in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Despite the challenges she faced, Ruth worked diligently, showing kindness and loyalty to Naomi. She was gleaning in the fields with the hope of providing food for both herself and Naomi. It was there that Boaz noticed Ruth’s hard work, her humility, and her kindness. Moved by her character, Boaz offered her protection and extra grain to take home. He saw something in her that others might have overlooked.

Ruth’s loyalty and strength, even in a season of loss, were not unnoticed. Boaz praised Ruth for her commitment to Naomi and acknowledged that her actions spoke of her character and her faithfulness. In time, Boaz, recognizing Ruth’s worth and driven by compassion, eventually married her. But this was more than just a romantic story—it was the beginning of something much bigger. Through their marriage, God’s plan of redemption began to unfold. And through Ruth’s faith and her obedience, God used her to bring about a legacy that would eventually bring the Savior into the world.

God’s Redemption Through Singleness

Ruth’s story is a testament to the idea that even in our most painful and lonely seasons, there can be redemption. Though Ruth was widowed and faced overwhelming loss, God used her singlehood to prepare her for a greater purpose. Ruth didn’t remain single forever, but her story is a powerful reminder that God doesn’t waste our pain. In the midst of her grief and fear, God was working behind the scenes, and He had a plan for her life.

For many people today, the pressure to be in a relationship can feel overwhelming. Society often tells us that we’re incomplete without a partner, and that our worth is tied to our relationship status. But Ruth’s life challenges that narrative. Singlehood wasn’t a reflection of her lack of worth, nor did it mean that God had abandoned her. In fact, her relationship with God—the one she was building through faithfulness and loyalty—was the foundation of everything that came next.

Addressing the Lie of Incomplete Singleness

In today’s world, it can feel like everyone is waiting for the “right person” to make them whole. Singles may feel pressured to believe that they are not enough or that something is wrong with them because they’re not in a relationship. Ruth’s story offers a different perspective. Her singleness didn’t mean she was unimportant or unloved; it meant she was in a season of preparation for something greater. She was not alone, even though she was not in a romantic relationship.

The truth is, no matter your relationship status, you are enough. Whether or not you ever get married, your worth is not defined by your relationship status. Ruth’s story shows that God’s love is constant and unchanging, regardless of your circumstances. While Ruth’s life eventually included a marriage, the most important relationship she had was with God. This was what sustained her through her toughest times.

A Relationship That Never Ends

Ruth’s journey wasn’t just about finding a husband—it was about finding her place in God’s bigger story. Like Ruth, you may be navigating a season of singleness, and it can feel discouraging or painful. But Ruth’s story invites you to consider that while marriage is a beautiful and significant part of life for some, it is not the thing that defines your value.

As a single person, you are not “missing something.” You are not “less than.” God’s love for you is not conditional upon your relationship status. Ultimately, our identity and our worth are found in our relationship with Jesus—a relationship that can never be broken or shaken. He is enough for you, right now, exactly as you are.

Finding Solace in Singleness

Some people may remain single for a season, or for their whole lives. And that doesn’t mean they are unloved, unseen, or unfulfilled. The love of God, through Jesus, is a love that is never dependent on anything but His own heart for you. You are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully seen by God.

Your worth is not defined by who we are with but by who God is. God’s love is unchanging, and He is always enough—whether or not we ever marry. The relationship you need most is not one with a partner but one with Jesus. His love for you is constant, and it will never leave you. This relationship is the one that will fulfill you and give you purpose, no matter where life leads.

Application Questions

1. How does Ruth’s story challenge your perspective on singleness?

   
   

2. What lies about your worth have you believed because of your relationship status?

   
   

3. How can focusing on your relationship with Jesus bring peace and fulfillment to your current season?