“But 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

We all express love differently.
Some say it with words.
Others say it with hugs or gifts or time.
But perhaps the most powerful “I love you” we can give—or receive—is one shown in action.

That’s exactly what we see in the story of Ruth and Naomi.

Love That Stays

After both women lost their husbands, Naomi told Ruth to return to her own people. To start fresh. To go back to what was familiar. Ruth had every reason to walk away and begin again.

But instead, she stayed.

And in staying, she said more than any words could.

“Where you go, I will go.
Your people will be my people.
Your God will be my God.”

Ruth’s love for Naomi wasn’t loud or flashy. It was quiet, steady, and deeply sacrificial.
She didn’t offer flowery speeches—she offered her life.

Love That Provides

Later in the story, Ruth continues to express her love by working tirelessly to provide for them both. She doesn’t demand anything from Naomi. She simply serves.

And Naomi, in turn, guides Ruth with wisdom—leading her toward Boaz, a kind and honorable man who would become a source of protection and provision.

Boaz, too, reveals his heart not just through what he says, but what he does.
He steps in as a kinsman-redeemer—caring for Ruth and Naomi without hesitation, ensuring their safety and future.

We Don’t Always Hear “I Love You” With Words

Not everyone is comfortable saying the words.
Sometimes, love doesn’t come through a declaration—it comes through a gesture.
A meal brought when you’re too tired to cook.
A quiet presence when you’re grieving.
A listening ear. A shared task. A thoughtful note. A patient kindness.

We may not always hear “I love you” out loud,
but if we’re paying attention, we’ll hear it in the actions of others.

And we can speak it that way, too.

Love That Redeems

The story of Ruth is about more than one woman’s loyalty.
It’s a picture of God’s redeeming love.

Boaz foreshadows the ultimate Redeemer—Jesus—who didn’t just speak love with words, but with His life.
He came for us.
He stayed with us.
He gave everything for us.

And now, we are called to reflect that same kind of love in the lives of others—steadfast, sacrificial, and real.

A Final Thought

Who has shown you love lately—not through words, but through presence, service, and grace?

And how might God be calling you to do the same?

May we be like Ruth—faithful in the quiet ways.
May we be like Boaz—quick to serve and provide.
And most of all, may we reflect the love of Christ—who shows us, again and again, what love in action really looks like.