Love gives clear-cut choices. The Lord God gives you and me the choice to turn away from Him or to turn toward Him and cling to Him.

Naomi, Orpah and Ruth were women who really lived. This is not fiction. It really happened in the land of Moab. All three had suffered the death of their husbands. And for Naomi, this meant she buried two sons also. She was going back to her home in Judah and she gave her two daughters-in-law clear choices. Love does that, letting others decide and then living with their decision. Naomi released these two women from going with her to Judah.

What kind of love do you have for those young men and women in your life as they are on the brink of leaving home? Do you fully release them, or do you have some strings attached?

Watch Naomi…

(NASB) Ruth 1:11-13 “But Naomi said, “˜Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

12 “˜Return, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight and also bear sons,

13 would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; for it is harder for me than for you, for the hand of the Lord has gone forth against me.'”

***What do Naomi’s words reveal about her?

1 – Naomi released both women. She loved them enough to release them.

Who do you need to release? Godly wisdom will release others at the right time.

2 – Naomi realistically reviewed the circumstances of these two women who had not had yet had children. She had thought through the reason these women should stay in their homeland.

Who do you need to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider? Realistic actions come from realistic decisions.

3 – Naomi realized her bitter feelings were against God and not against these beloved daughters-in-law.

If you are bitter or resentful, who do you blame? And if you blame another, should you consider that your bitterness is actually against God? Honest evaluations may hurt.

Naomi thought through these hard questions then put her conclusions into action. Naomi’s maturity is an example of a godly woman. She thoughtfully released her daughters-in-law and gave an honest evaluation concerning her bitter feelings.

A godly man and woman are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. God’s word is filled with how to live as a follower of Christ. The examples of various men and women in the Bible are for you and me to carefully consider as we mature and grow in our knowledge of our God.

How shall you now pray?