#soap # Ruth 02 ## Title: What Reputation Precedes You? ## Scripture: (Ruth 2:11-12) Boaz replied to her, “I have been given a full report of all that you have done for your mother-in-law following the death of your husband—how you left your father and your mother, as well as your homeland, and came to live among people you did not know previously. May the Lord reward your efforts! May your acts of kindness be repaid fully by the Lord God of Israel, from whom you have sought protection.” (NET) ## Observation: She didn’t know Boaz, but Boaz had already heard of her. Ruth had been faithful and had no idea what the result would be. There is no indication that she expected anything other than a destitute life. This is what she signed up for when she chose to stay with Naomi and take care of her. However, her act of faithfulness had preceded her. When you choose to honor God and be faithful, you’re doing more than you realize. You are creating a reputation that brings glory to God and serves as a pathway for others. What reputation do people hear about before they even meet you? ## Application: Be the right kind of person whether people are looking or not. Being faithful is always the right thing. It has a way of spreading even when we don’t realize it. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being the ultimate model of faithfulness.