Blessing your family

The book of Ruth narrates their story. Ruth, an incredibly generous woman, chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi after losing her husband, despite having the option to return to her family. She famously declared, “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” (Ruth 1:16). Together, they returned to Naomi’s homeland, Israel.

Ruth committed herself to caring for her mother-in-law and started working in the fields to support them both. It was there that she met Boaz, a man who showed kindness to them. Boaz had heard of Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and praised her for it, saying, “I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:11-12).

Boaz not only treated Ruth kindly but also realized he could help her family by purchasing their land. He eventually married Ruth, and they became the great-grandparents of King David.

When We Give, We Receive

Ruth and Boaz exemplified generosity. Ruth selflessly cared for her mother-in-law, while Boaz showed kindness to a grieving family. Together, they formed a family and blessed future generations, including David, a king whose heart was aligned with God’s, and Jesus. Their family received an incredible legacy over the generations.

We often believe that accumulating wealth solely for our families is the best way to bless them. However, there are hidden treasures in giving, letting go, and not hoarding. Generosity brings not only spiritual blessings for generations but also relational and material ones.

Recently, I took my grandmother to a birthday party in São Paulo’s countryside. This celebration was for a family my great-grandfather once assisted by helping them acquire a business, which significantly improved their financial situation. As a gesture of gratitude, this family continues to invite my great-grandfather’s descendants to their gatherings.

Generosity fosters consideration, reciprocity, and gratitude. I recently became a mother. When my daughter was born, she received numerous gifts from my parents’ and grandmother’s friends, who wanted to express their care and gratitude. These relationships of generosity have blessed my family, including future generations. My grandmother’s generosity even benefited her great-granddaughter.

We shouldn’t be generous solely for personal gain, but when we are, our families will undoubtedly be blessed.