Connect Series: Loving Through Differences

In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, who though very different, were a part of God's grand plan. We see that, for married couples, working through current differences pays long-term dividends.

When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Boaz and Ruth:

How they met? Ruth "happened" to be working in Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3). The circumstances behind Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi's return to Bethlehem as chronicled in first chapter of the book of Ruth deserves significant attention at another time.

What was she like? We learn that Ruth was from Moab (Ruth 1:4); was kind (Ruth 1:8); was a woman of commitment (Ruth 1:16-18) and virtue (Ruth 3:11).

What was he like? Boaz was wealthy (Ruth 2:1); an encourager (Ruth 2:4); was older than Ruth, referring to her as "my daughter" (Ruth 2:8A); was kind (Ruth 2:8B-12) and was honorable in his actions (Ruth 3:1-14; 4:3-7).

What was their issue? They were very different. But they overcame their differences in age (Boaz being significantly older than Ruth); heritage (Boaz a Jew; Ruth a Moabitess); and status (Boaz a wealthy landowner; Ruth a poor widow) to become a couple blessed by God.

How'd it end? When the leaders of Bethlehem learned of the proposed marriage of Boaz and Ruth, not only did they approve of the marriage but gave it a beautiful blessing (Ruth 4:11). Ultimately, God brought Boaz and Ruth together as part of the lineage of David (Ruth 4:17-22) and, later, Jesus Christ.