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And I will bless you [abundantly], And make your name great (exalted, distinguished); And you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others]; (Genesis 12:2)

Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Both riches (silver and gold) and an honorable reputation (loving favor, respect) are good.

A good name is more valuable than riches, because it can't be bought with money. It has to be earned moment by moment, day by day, decision by decision. Does Your Name affect your character?

Some researchers have found an unusual association between the name of a person and his/her personality.

Our names are an incredibly important part of our identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, familial, and historical connections. They also give us a sense of who we are, the communities in which we belong, and our place in the world.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” This psalm is an invitation to take God at his word, to trust in the Lord and experience his goodness firsthand, to know God personally, realizing that he loves us more than we can imagine. The invitation is ours to receive, but it is also ours to extend.

O taste and see that the LORD [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8 Ruth act out of loyalty, love, and a deep sense of righteousness. Ruth's story is one of integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness.

God honors Ruth's

integrity and diligence.

Ruth was an obedient woman.She does not complain. She is not proud, and she doesn't concern herself with what others might think. Ruth simply obeys God's law and accepts what God provided.

What are two lessons learned from Ruth in the Bible?

Remember to be humble and keep working as God blesses You.

But Ruth remained faithful and kept working hard. Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. (1Corinthians13:4-7)

Ruth's story is one of integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness.

She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her.

The Virtues of Ruth: Gratitude, Advocacy, and Service. With all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. (Ephesians 4:2)

Ruth is a "soft" personality type.

But let it be [the inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of God. (1Peter 3:4)

What does it mean to have a gentle and quiet spirit?

A gentle and quiet spirit means hoping in God

It's learning to seek his voice and his will, and trusting that it's good, even in times when it might not make sense.

What does it mean to humble yourself under God?

Peter turns from humility toward one another to humility toward God. However, the humility toward God is not what you might think. He is not talking about humbling ourselves in obedience to God but humbling ourselves in acceptance of whatever trial comes your way regardless of its severity.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time. (1Peter 5:6) Characteristics of Ruth

Ruth's story of bravery, obedience, love, faith, trust, and humility show us a woman of noble character. She had integrity and wasn't afraid of working hard. Most importantly, she trusted her life to God.

A woman of faith trusts God and faces adversity with hope. She knows of His interest in her life. She knows that He knows her. She loves His words and drinks deeply of that living water.

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;

And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].

She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]. (Proverbs 31:25-26) May the LORD repay you for your kindness, and may your reward be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. Ruth 2:12