Ruth and Naomi
(From the Hebrew Bible)

Naomi was a widow with two sons, one who married a woman named Ruth and one who married a woman named Orpah.

The family lived together happily for ten years. Then Naomi’s sons both died and she was heartbroken. She said to Ruth and Orpah, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness.” She kissed them goodbye, and they cried together.

Orpah sadly said goodbye and returned to her home, but Ruth held on tightly to Naomi and said, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.”

The two women cared for each other and stayed together. Because Naomi first showed Ruth kindness, care, and love, Ruth wanted to show the same kindness, care, and love to Naomi.

Discuss:

• When has a friend or family member shown you kindness?
• When have you shown kindness to a friend or family member?