Ruth 1:1 to 1:19 True love is faithful, kind, and sticks close to family and God through all seasons of life. Discover how Ruth stayed faithfully beside Naomi when times were hard. Learn Ruth's famous promise: 'Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.' Practice being a loyal, helpful friend and family member at home. Naomi had lost her husband and two sons in Moab. She prepared to return to Bethlehem sad and empty, but her daughter-in-law Ruth refused to leave her side. A Sad Journey Home In the country of Moab, an older woman named Naomi was very sad. Her husband and both of her sons had died. Naomi decided to walk all the way back to her hometown of [Bethlehem](/bible/explorer/place/bethlehem) in Judah. She told her two daughters-in-law: 'Go back to your own mothers' homes; may the Lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to me.' Ruth Stays by Naomi's Side One daughter-in-law kissed Naomi goodbye and went back. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi and would not let go! Naomi said: 'Look, your sister-in-law has gone back; go back with her.' But Ruth gave a beautiful answer full of steadfast love: 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.' Blessings in Bethlehem Naomi and Ruth walked together to Bethlehem just as the barley harvest was beginning. Ruth worked hard in the fields, gathering grain to make sure Naomi had warm food to eat. God blessed Ruth's faithful, loving heart. A kind man named Boaz protected her and married her, and Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, an ancestor of Jesus! Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16 What did Ruth say to Naomi when Naomi told her to go back home? I want to go back to Moab Where you go I will go; your people shall be my people, and your God my God Give me some silver I will find another friend Where you go I will go; your people shall be my people, and your God my God Ruth made a loving promise to stay with Naomi and worship the true God of Israel. To what town did Naomi and Ruth travel together? Egypt Bethlehem Nineveh Jericho Bethlehem They returned together to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. How can we show loyal love like Ruth? Walk away when friends are sad Stick close to family, help gladly, and love God faithfully Only think about ourselves Complain about chores Stick close to family, help gladly, and love God faithfully Like Ruth, we show true love by caring for our families and following God with loyal hearts. Do a special act of kindness to help your mom, dad, or grandparent this week without being asked. Lord God, thank you for Ruth's example of faithful love and loyalty. Help us stick close to our families, care for those who are sad, and follow you with our whole hearts. Amen. Why did Ruth decide to follow the God of Israel with Naomi? What are simple ways you can help make someone in your family smile when they are tired or sad? Teach children the beauty of loyalty, kindness to elders, and choosing to follow God from Ruth's story. Show a picture of wheat or barley stalks and discuss how gathering grain helped provide bread for the home. Why was Naomi sad? Explain that losing family members hurts, but God sent Ruth to bring joy back into Naomi's life. 5 minutes hook, 12 minutes story, 8 minutes memory verse, 10 minutes application and prayer.