Big Idea: One act of repentance leads to a life of faithful love. 

Hesed (חסד) is a Hebrew word that conveys a range of meanings, including love, loyalty, mercy, kindness, and steadfast love.

JEWISH SOCIAL STRUCTURES 

1. King or judge of Israel
2. Tribal leader (Judah)
3. Clan leader (Bethlehem)
4. Clan-subgroup leader (Boaz’s status)
5. Father (Elimelech)
6. Eldest son
7. Son
8. Wife (Naomi)
9. Daughter
10. Male servant
11. Female servant
12. Resident alien
13. Male foreigner
14. Female foreigner (Ruth’s status)

Message Questions

We are in a series on Ruth. The book of Ruth is a story all about faithfulness. As we explore faithfulness as an aspect of God’s character and a virtue for us to embody, we’ll discover ways we can show up faithfully in people’s lives and at church as an act of worship. This week we are in Ruth 2 and are specifically looking at the idea of God’s Hesed (faithful love) towards us and how it should affect how we treat those around us. The Big Idea is: One act of repentance leads to a life of faithful love. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do. 

1. Have someone read Ruth 2:2-3. Here we see Ruth takes the initiative to gather grain even as a foreigner with low social status. How does her courage inspire you to trust God in situations where you may feel out of place or unworthy? 
2. Now have someone read Ruth 2:10. Ruth is humbled by Boaz’s kindness, especially as she recognizes her outsider status. How does this scene encourage us to respond when God shows us undeserved grace or favor? 
3. Now have someone read Ruth 2:11-12. Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s sacrifice and prays for God’s blessing over her. Share a time when someone recognized your faithfulness or supported you in a season of struggle. How did that impact your view of God’s kindness? 
4. Pastor Steve showed us that hesed speaks to God’s loyal love and kindness. How can we grow in showing this kind of love to those in need? 
5. Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth leads her to feel seen and valued. Who in your life might you need to go to so they can experience God’s love through your actions this week? What steps can you take to go and share that love with them?