Ruth 2:11 “Boaz replied to her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.’”

I know you have heard of the “grape vine.” You know that invisible vine that carries news from person to person. Well, I renamed that the “kudzu vine.” Kudzu grows faster than a grape vine, but unlike the grape vine, it only strangles and destroys what it comes into contact with. At least the grape vine produces fruit.

Well, here in Ruth we truly have a grape vine message service. The news of the good that Ruth has shown her mother-in-law has spread far and wide. Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, has learned of Ruth’s kindness, and in return he shows her an unexpected kindness. Finally, it seems Ruth’s fortunes are turning around.

Our children need to understand that our acts of kindness are seen by others either directly or indirectly. Boaz had never seen Ruth before, but her “testimony” had gone before her. Our children can learn that their testimony can touch people they have never met. And just like Ruth, that testimony may bring about blessings in the future. That wasn’t Ruth’s motive for showing kindness to Naomi. Neither should it be ours. But God has a way of blessing those whom bless others.

What acts of kindness can you and your children do today? Is there an elderly neighbor who needs some yard work done? Is there a project at church that you and your children could do? Ask the Lord to help you build your testimony so that it shines on Him, not you. Ask the Lord to allow you to bless someone else today. He, in turn, will bless you. Perhaps in ways and by someone you could have never imagined.