Ruth is often looked at as a love story which demonstrates Christ's love for the church.  While Ruth is a beautiful story of love and devotion, there is much to be gained by a close look at Ruth as a person.   Read the book of Ruth in one sitting.  Then answer the following questions.   1.  Who was Ruth?  Ruth 1:1-5 2.  What was Ruth facing?  Ruth 1:6-13 3.  What was Ruth's reputation?  Ruth 2:1-11 4.  How did Ruth behave?  Ruth 1:16,17; 3:1-6 5.  What was the time period of this story?  Ruth 1:1; Judges 2:1-19 6.  Against this backdrop, how did Ruth fit in? 7.  Samson also lived during the time of the judges.  Contrast their lives.  Judges 13-16 8.  How does Ruth compare to the virtuous woman? 9.  Why do you think this lesson is called "Redeeming Love?" 10.  How can you identify with Ruth? 11.  What do you see in Ruth's life that you should try to emulate?  Learn from? 12  What principles to live by can you glean from Ruth? 13.  What do you plan to do as a result of what you've learned?   Prayer   Has the Lord burdened your heart through this lesson?  Write it down in your journal, and brainstorm about how to make the necessary changes in your life to bring about what God has showed you, or to illiminate something that you know is hindering you.   Has the Lord burdened your heart for an individual?  Write down their name in your journal and brainstorm about how to reach out to them and meet the specific need.   And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee:  for wither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:  thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried:  the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16,17   This statement shows commitment and devotion.  What did this vow involve on Ruth's part?  What do you think inspired such devotion in Ruth toward Naomi?  Do you have this same devotion, to your husband, your church, or the Lord?

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