Loyalty is a rare virtue. "I'll go with you unless someone better comes along" is a popular way to act with friends and sometimes even spouses. Who are the friends who have stuck by you during the hard times? Hopefully, a few people come to mind. These are most likely people of unusual character and courage.

Ruth was written during the period of the judges (c. 1380-1050 B.C.), which were dark and turbulent days for Israel. It provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who show a care and loyalty for each other that reflect God's character.

Ruth was a Moabite. Her people descended from Lot's oldest daughter, who, though rescued from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, chose to live apart from God's people (Ge 19:37). Ruth's choices are in sharp contrast to this.

After Ruth marries into an Israelite family, she becomes very devoted to them, especially to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Because Ruth chooses to identify with the people of God, she is given a place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Mt 1:1, 5) as the great-grandmother of David. From Ruth we learn that simple obedience, faith and loyalty can have far-reaching results.