Since the fall, the devil has entered the world and contaminated it to such an extent that people have come to live the way he wants them to. The mission of the Gospel is to save the lost, giving them healing from trauma, a solution to their problems and eternal life as the ultimate prize. However, the enemy has managed to drag men and women into his reign of terror. Anyone who acts shamefully can become a defendant of eternal suffering.

The Moabite Ruth, who married one of Naomi's sons and became a widow, passed the test when she didn't follow her sister-in-law, Orpah, who had also become a widow and returned to her country (Ruth 1). Naomi, her mother-in-law, put Ruth to the test, but she proved to be different from Orpah, who looked to the present and not to the future. Ruth stayed by her mother-in-law's side, picking up the leftover ears of corn left by the harvesters so that the poor could eat. She showed herself to be a servant by feeding Naomi (Ruth 2).

Naomi revealed that Boaz was the redeemer, because in the Mosaic Law, when someone died, the next of kin had to buy the property and marry the widow. Boaz had this right and he used it. To Ruth he said: And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. (Ruth 3.11) She became the ancestor of David, who would be born of that union, and of Jesus too (Ruth 4.18-22). The Lord is powerful!

It is worth being faithful to God and to your spouse! We can never leave the divine plan. Anyone who does this and doesn't return will fare badly at the judgment seat of Christ, or at the judgment seat of eternity (2 Corinthians 5:10). Why live with your heart in your hands? One day you may die without having obtained forgiveness. Of course, anyone who thinks their situation is different should prepare themselves, because God's judgment will be without mercy, as the Bible prescribes.

The key verse we are studying speaks of the faithful woman and the unfaithful woman. The Most High wants to recover those who have been shamed, because tomorrow may be too late. Sin keeps them away from Heaven, brings suffering and hinders the realization of the heavenly style in their lives. People who hide don't know how they are harming themselves. Today is the day to speak the truth!

Jesus made a plan for each one of us. He went to the cross to free us from the scourges of the devil, which are not just about curing illnesses. Christ brought the forgiveness of sins in order to make us victorious to walk by His side (Colossians 2:13-15). We must never let the devil oppress us or diminish us with his vile practices. The saved must thank the Sovereign of the Universe for loving them like this.

The Church is called the Bride of the Lord. This elevates us to a special position before all that is on Earth and in Heaven. God teaches us how to live: Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31.10). If we don't act in a way that delights our heavenly Father, what will become of us? Our value exceeds that of many precious stones.

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares