But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” [Ruth 1.17-18]
If Ruth had nothing else going for her, she at least had commitment. Even though Naomi gave Ruth the chance to leave her to her life of widowhood, Ruth refused to leave. Instead, Ruth made the proclamation above and stayed.
There are just times when it is right to stay. This is one aspect of relationships today that is highly lacking. As soon as circumstances change or there is some disagreement, people part ways and relationships are terminated. This happens in marriage, in friendships, in employment, and in God's family - the Body of Christ - the Church.
How sad. How unfortunate that we largely miss the opportunities for our relationships to grow deeper and wider by journeying through the difficulties of life together. Although some people just "hit it off" there are others that seem to have to work at having a relationship. But, at the end of the day, it is not the similarities between people that makes them strong in relationship, it is commitment.
It takes time, and time alone, to build a relationship of significance. Some people go their entire lives without a single relationship of significance. They may have friends along the way but no relationship that weathers every storm and difficulty of life. Perhaps this is where marriage is so important. Marriage gives a divine opportunity for two people to grow together in relationship for a lifetime.
Having myself been married (as of writing this post) for over 35 years, I can confidently say that it has been commitment that has preserved the relationship I have with my wife. Some days my commitment and some days her commitment, but commitment nonetheless has gotten us this far. Yes, there have been days we have not liked each other very much. Yes, we have disappointed each other. Yes, there have been days when it seems there is no point in continuing the relationship. But we have remained true to our commitment and we have an ever-growing lifetime of experiences and memories together (not to mention two children, their spouses, and grandchildren!).
What's more, my wife and I share a faith in God. I must say, it has been this faith, more than our own commitment, that has actually preserved our relationship. Our faith has been the common ground that does not change. In believing that our relationship is valuable to God, we have come to realize its value to us! I know my life is better for having stayed with my wife and I am blessed and highly favored by God that she has stayed with me! But it starts and lasts by commitment.
Father, thank You for the one relationship I have with my wife that has stood the test of time. There are other relationships I have, but none compare to the one that best fits Ruth's description above. I am glad, Father, that Your commitment to me surpasses any relationship known on earth and serves as a constant reminder to me that You are faithful! Help me to be faithful in return!
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