What Makes a Family? -Conclusion

 Naomi urged Ruth to accept Boaz's offer to keep gleaning in his fields and to stay near the young women of his own household so that she would escape harassment from the reapers. Ruth took that advice. She also "kept on dwelling with her mother-in-law." (Ruth 2:22, 23) In those words we see once more the hallmark quality-loyal love. Ruth's example may move us to ask ourselves whether we honor the bonds of family, loyally supporting our loved ones and offering them help as needed.  Jehovah never fails to notice such loyal love. 

Were Ruth and Naomi somehow less than family? Some assume that there must be someone to fill each role-husband, wife, son, daughter, grandparent, and so forth-for a family to be "real."  But the examples of Ruth and Naomi remind us that servants of Jehovah can open their hearts and make even the smallest of families glow with warmth, kindness, and love. Do you appreciate what family you have? Jesus reminded his followers that the Christian congregation can provide family even for those who have none. - MARK 10:29, 30. 

Next time: "He Is One of Our Repurchasers"

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