Ruth: Echoes of Christ, Our Kinsman Redeemer, now available at Amazon.com

As we dig into scripture, we witness a powerful love story between God and His people. At the same time, we discover echoes of this incomparable love between husbands and wives. Page after page, we find couples who teach us what it means to love, honor, and cherish each other. From the dawn of creation to the early years of the Christian church, these couples remind us what it truly means to be faithful, supportive, and unconditionally loving.

Each couple—Jacob and Rachel, Hannah and Elkanah, Abraham and Sarah, Hosea and Gomer, Ruth and Boaz, and Priscilla and Aquila—offers a unique lens through which we view love, loyalty, and commitment. Whether it’s through steadfast devotion, mutual support in times of struggle, or showing grace in the most trying circumstances, their relationships invite us into a deeper understanding of love’s many facets. Their lives prompt us to ask meaningful questions about our own relationships: How can we be more patient? More supportive? More forgiving? As you dive into these love stories, think about how the wisdom they offer can be applied to your marriage today.

Ruth and Boaz

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth finds herself gathering grain in the fields of Boaz, a kinsman to Naomi. Right away, Boaz takes notice of her. He’s not just struck by her outer beauty but is deeply moved by her character, her dedication to Naomi, and her work ethic. He extends kindness and protection toward her, urging his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect.

Ruth’s virtuous qualities did not go unnoticed by Boaz. He was a man of great integrity himself, someone who acted as a redeemer not just in title but in action.

“I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before” (Ruth 2:11, NIV).

Moved by Ruth’s loyalty and her courage to start anew, Boaz takes on the role of kinsman-redeemer, ultimately marrying Ruth and restoring her and Naomi’s fortunes.

What stands out in the story of Ruth and Boaz is the unspoken but palpable theme of providence. Both were virtuous individuals, but it was God’s guiding hand that brought them together. Ruth’s loyalty led her to Boaz’s field; Boaz’s integrity led him to redeem Ruth. Together, they not only found love but also became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

The Takeaway

If you’re seeking to draw closer to your spouse, consider following the example of Ruth and Boaz. Look for ways to be a pillar of support and kindness, not only in times of abundance but also in seasons of loss and hardship. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger sacrifices, find opportunities to show genuine care and integrity, emulating the loyalty and grace that Ruth and Boaz displayed.

Jacob and Rachel

When Jacob first saw Rachel caring for her father’s sheep, he felt an immediate and deep connection. It wasn’t just a passing attraction; he knew she was the one. So, he did something extraordinary. Instead of flattering words or short-lived promises, Jacob committed to seven long years of work to win Rachel’s hand in marriage. Imagine that—a love so genuine and steadfast, it was measured in years of devotion.

The story takes a complicated turn. After seven years, Jacob was deceived by Rachel’s father, Laban, and found himself married to Leah, the older sister, but that wasn’t the end of their story. Fueled by his unwavering love for Rachel, Jacob committed to another seven years of work.

This beautiful narrative invites us to pause and reflect on the lengths we’re willing to go for love. Are we committed to the long haul, come what may? Do we offer love that’s deep, sacrificial, and resolute, just like Jacob’s love for Rachel?

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame” (Song of Solomon 8:6, NIV).

The Takaway

If you’re seeking to draw closer to your spouse, consider following the example of Jacob and Rachel. Look for ways to demonstrate your unwavering commitment to each other. Ask yourself what sacrifices you’re willing to make for the sake of your relationship. Whether it’s giving time, attention, or patience, true love is about going the extra mile and putting your spouse’s needs before your own.

Hannah and Elkanah

Elkanah had two wives, but it was evident that his heart lay with Hannah, who was barren. Despite her inability to have children, the Bible tells us that Elkanah loved her deeply and supported her emotionally.

“Her husband Elkanah would say to her, ‘Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?'” (1 Samuel 1:8, NIV).

Here we see a love that wasn’t tied to societal norms or expectations but was unconditional and tender.

Hannah’s yearning for a child led her to pour out her soul before the Lord, and Elkanah supported her in this deeply personal journey. When she was misunderstood by Eli the priest, who thought she was drunk as she prayed, her anguish didn’t deter her; she was a woman of faith, fervently asking God for a child. Elkanah wasn’t just a bystander in this; he was her emotional cornerstone, offering his unwavering support as they navigated the highs and lows of their situation.

When God finally answered Hannah’s prayers, giving her a son, Samuel, her first act was to dedicate him to the Lord.

“So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him'” (1 Samuel 1:20, NIV).

This act encapsulated the couple’s deep faith and mutual commitment to God’s plan for their lives.

The Takaway

If you’re seeking to draw closer to your spouse, consider following the example of Hannah and Elkanah. Look for ways to support each other in times of hardship or longing. Share your dreams and your sorrows openly, and be a sanctuary for each other when life’s challenges become overwhelming. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is to simply be there, offering a supportive hand to hold.

Abraham and Sarah

In the account of Sarah and Abraham, we’re greeted with a story of love interwoven with faith and promise. Their relationship wasn’t just an affectionate connection between two people; it was a partnership centered around a divine promise that would impact generations.

From the beginning, Abraham and Sarah embarked on a faith-filled journey. When God told Abraham to leave his homeland, Sarah was right there beside him. Together, they faced uncertainty and left the familiar behind, trusting God’s promises even when their circumstances seemed to contradict them.

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8, NIV).

Yet their journey wasn’t without its challenges. Sarah had to grapple with the pain of barrenness, a significant issue in their culture. They both had moments of doubt and took matters into their own hands, like when Sarah offered her maid Hagar to Abraham. But the beauty of their love story isn’t found in its perfection, it’s found in its redemption. When Sarah laughed at the prospect of having a child in her old age, God didn’t abandon her; instead, He fulfilled His promise by giving them Isaac.

Sarah wasn’t merely a shadow behind her prominent husband; she was a woman of substance, faith, and courage. Abraham recognized this, treating her not just as a spouse but as an equal partner in God’s covenant and the unfolding of His plan.

The Takeaway

If you’re seeking to draw closer to your spouse, consider following the example of Abraham and Sarah. Look for ways to mutually support each other’s faith journey. Take time to pray together, read Scripture, or engage in faith-based conversations. When facing big decisions, consider not just the worldly factors, but also how your choices align with God’s promises and calling for your life.

Hosea and Gomer

The love story of Hosea and Gomer is unlike any other in the Bible; it’s a vivid portrayal of relentless love and grace. At first glance, their relationship might seem unconventional, even shocking, but it offers profound insights into the very nature of divine love.

God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman known for her unfaithfulness, to symbolize His relationship with Israel—a people who had often turned away from Him. Hosea obeyed, fully aware of the emotional turmoil that lay ahead. Even when Gomer strayed, as God had warned, Hosea did not abandon her. Driven by a love that mirrors the eternal love of God, Hosea sought out Gomer and bought her back, reclaiming her as his wife and redeeming her from her life of shame.

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans'” (Hosea 3:1, NIV).

In our relationships, it’s so easy to draw lines, to set conditions, and to say, “I’ll love you if…”. Hosea’s story challenges this mindset. His love for Gomer was not conditional; it was a deliberate act of will, a choice to love even when it hurt. His love was redemptive—it sought to heal and restore.

The Takeaway

If you’re seeking to draw closer to your spouse, consider following the example of Hosea and Gomer. Look for ways to extend grace and forgiveness in your relationship, even when it feels undeserved. While your circumstances may not mirror theirs, every marriage faces times when forgiveness and unconditional love are the paths to renewal and healing.

Priscilla and Aquila

When we explore the lives of Priscilla and Aquila, we find a couple whose love story defies the norms of their time, painting a picture of a truly equal and deeply devoted partnership. Their narrative is rooted not just in their love for each other but in their shared love for Christ and His Gospel.

Upon meeting them, we quickly learn that they were tentmakers by trade but disciples at heart. Forced to leave Rome due to persecution, they settled in Corinth where they met Paul. Their relationship with him deepened to such an extent that they risked their own lives for the apostle.

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them” (Romans 16:3-4, NIV).

The unique aspect of their relationship lies in their mutual commitment to ministry. They didn’t just host a church in their home; they were deeply involved in theological instruction. When Apollos, a well-spoken and passionate believer, needed deeper understanding, they both took it upon themselves to guide him. Theirs was a shared mission, a co-ministry that they carried out side by side.

Priscilla and Aquila remind us that a Christ-centered marriage is a powerful force for good. In a society where relationships often crumble under the weight of individual aspirations, their story stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when two people unite not just in marriage but in purpose.

The Takeaway

If you’re seeking to draw closer to your spouse, consider following the example of Priscilla and Aquila. Look for ways to serve together, to learn together, and to grow in faith together. Their legacy prompts us to ask: What could our relationships look like if we committed to a shared mission, one where both partners are equally invested in a purpose that extends far beyond themselves?