One is almost not sure who is more kind in this passage, Boaz or Ruth? Ruth said to Boaz in v.10, " “Why are you so kind and so attentive to me, even though I am a foreigner?”
Then again Ruth said to Boaz in v.13, "You really are being kind to me, sir, for you have reassured and encouraged me, your servant, even though I am not one of your servants!"
Ruth saw the kindness of Boaz for she had received some undeserved merit from him. She was very humble and knew that being a foreigner and a beggar she got more than what she deserved. Do you ever thank God because you see who you are? Someone who do not deserve His merits?
On the other hand, Boaz also see the kindness from Ruth v.11, "“I have been given a full report of all that you have done for your mother-in-law..."
v.12, "May your acts of kindness be repaid fully."
Boaz saw what Ruth has done to her mother-in-law thus he showed Ruth kindness. However, note what he has said in v.12,
"May the LORD reward your efforts! May your acts of kindness be repaid fully by the LORD God of Israel, from whom you have sought protection!"
Boaz knew that God was pleased with what Ruth had done (including her action with Naomi and the fact that she sought protection from God) and therefore, Boaz acted in the place of God to reward Ruth. In other words, he saw himself as a channel of blessings. Boaz served Ruth lunch, and she had more than enough to eat . She also gathered 30 lbs of barley (more heavy than a small bag of rice) in 1 day. see NET notes, "This was a huge amount of barley for one woman to gather in a single day. It testifies both to Ruth’s industry and to Boaz’s generosity."
Have you ever being generous for God's sake? Are you a channel of blessings to others?
Audrey
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