The “You and Me” of Christian Love - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me."
Ruth 1:16-17

The "You and Me" of Christian Love
Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, made a great mistake when she left the land of Israel and moved to Moab. Her husband and two sons died there, sad illustration of the loss we suffer when we step outside God's will. But He is gracious, and gave her a wonderful companion in the widow of her son, Mahlon. Though a Moabitess, a God-fearing and loving spirit shines through her words to Naomi.

The law of Moses prohibited a Moabite from entering into the congregation of the Lord, even to the tenth generation (Dt. 23:3-6). But where sin abounds—as it did in the Moabites' case—grace abounds all the more (Rom. 5:20), and one who trusted the Lord God of Israel, as Ruth evidently did, could find blessing under His wings (Ruth 2:12). In marrying Boaz, she also entered the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 1:1, 5). What grace can do!

Naomi was very conscious of God's discipline in her life (Ruth 1:20-21) and was trying to persuade Ruth to return to Moab (v. 15). But despite her failure, her daughter-in-law had discovered some-thing very attractive in her. Naomi knew God, and Ruth would not be parted from her because of this.

Her words have often been seen as akin to baptism, which is identification with Christ in His death. But they also express her delight in His people. She was "you and me" with her mother-in-law in particular, and proved it by the diligent care she shows her throughout the book that takes her name. This kind of love should mark us as Christians (1 Jn. 5:1).

Simon Attwood