This past Sunday in my Bible class, we turned to the book of Ruth and started studying the text to see the lessons that God has given us to learn from this fantastic story. From this narrative text, we learned two important truths:  

  1. Loss is hard (1:1-7)
  2. Keeping Commitments is Commendable (1:8-18)

Next week we will talk about times we just feel bitter and how the solution to get us out of that pit of depression is to get to work. 

After class, I started thinking about the relationship Naomi had with Orpah and Ruth. These three ladies only had each other after their terrible life-changing losses. Naomi losing her husband was awful, but on top of that, she lost her two sons. Orpah and Ruth lose their father-in-law and then lose their husbands. I’m not sure exactly how much time passed between each person passing away, and really it doesn’t matter, but what I do know is that the relationship between Naomi and her two daughters-in-law grew deeper. 

There is no doubt that grief and loss are hard, and I don’t think it’s ever easy. Nevertheless, I believe that you can look at this situation and see how this is good grief. I think I can see how the emotional burden and desire for comfort in their lives were something they shared together. I believe when they wept together (1:9,14), they emotionally deepened their relationship so much so that Ruth decided that it was better to go with Naomi wherever she goes. 

Is this good grief? I don’t know, maybe so… I do know this; it’s a good thing when you have people around who can share an emotional response with you. 

Here is what Paul says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). 

If you ever need someone to rejoice with call me up.

If you ever need someone to weep with call me up.

I love you,

Alex