Finding True Joy Through Righteous Living: Lessons from Ruth and the Christmas Story

The Christmas season brings many opportunities to reflect on joy, but where does true joy actually come from? Through examining the stories of Ruth and the nativity, we discover that authentic joy isn’t found in circumstances or temporary pleasures, but in living righteously – choosing to do the next right thing, even in ordinary moments.

What Does Gleaning Teach Us About God’s Provision?

In Ruth chapter 2, we encounter the practice of gleaning – a system God established to care for the needy. When Ruth went into the fields to gather leftover grain, she “happened” to work in a field belonging to Boaz, a relative of her deceased father-in-law. This wasn’t mere coincidence. God was orchestrating events behind the scenes, just as He does in our lives today. The gleaning system required godly farmers to intentionally leave something for foreigners, orphans, and widows. As Deuteronomy 24 instructs, “When you’re harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.”

Boaz: A Picture of Righteous Character

Boaz, whose name means “in him there is strength,” demonstrates what righteousness looks like in action. When he noticed Ruth gleaning in his fields, he:

Looked past cultural differences (Ruth was a Moabite)
Offered protection and provision
Showed extraordinary kindness to someone in need
Instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her

Ruth was so overwhelmed by his kindness that she fell face down and asked, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me, a foreigner?”

How Does Joseph Mirror Boaz’s Righteousness?

The parallels between Ruth’s story and the Christmas narrative become clear when we examine Joseph’s character. Like Boaz, Joseph was a righteous man who demonstrated kindness, offered protection, and provided for a young woman in great need. When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, he faced an impossible situation. According to the law, he could have exposed her to public disgrace. Instead, Matthew 1:19 tells us that “because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

Obedience in Difficult Circumstances

After an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, explaining that Mary’s pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit, Joseph chose obedience over comfort. He listened to God and did what was commanded, taking Mary as his wife and protecting her throughout the entire process. Both Boaz and Joseph show us that righteousness isn’t about perfection – it’s about choosing to do the next right thing, even when it’s difficult or costly.

What Does It Mean to Live Righteously?

Righteousness can seem like a churchy word, but it simply means living in right relationship with God and others. It’s about being restored image bearers who strive to do the next right thing, holding in context that we’re still far from perfect. Jesus gives us a picture of righteous living in the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”

These verses show us that righteousness involves mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking. It also comes with a cost – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.”

How Does God Use Ordinary People?

One of the most encouraging truths from these stories is that God delights in using ordinary people who simply choose to do the next right thing. He doesn’t require perfect people, powerful people, or those with spotless histories. Boaz didn’t know he was stepping into a story that would lead to King David and ultimately to Jesus. Joseph didn’t realize his quiet obedience would help bring the Savior into the world. Ruth had no idea her simple faithfulness would echo into eternity. What they all did was choose righteousness in the moments they were given. They woke up each day saying, “God, I trust you. Help me to do the next right thing.”

The Ripple Effect of Righteous Choices

Because of Boaz’s righteous actions, Ruth was able to glean for seven weeks – gathering enough food to feed herself and Naomi for an entire year. His kindness had lasting impact far beyond what he could have imagined. Similarly, Joseph’s obedience allowed him to be part of bringing Jesus into the world. These ordinary people made extraordinary differences through simple acts of righteousness.

Where Do We Find People in Need Today?

Just as Ruth needed someone to notice her and show kindness, there are people all around us who need the same thing. Our neighbors, coworkers, and family members – the lonely, lost, and hurting – aren’t looking for perfect Christians. They’re looking for someone who will:

Show genuine kindness
Simply notice them
Offer compassion and protection
Provide generosity or a listening ear
Reflect Jesus in practical ways

If the story of Ruth shows us anything, it’s that God can take the smallest act of righteousness and use it to change a life, a family, or even generations.

Life Application

True joy is found in living righteously – in choosing to do the next right thing in the ordinary moments of life. This week, ask God to help you want what He wants more than what you want. Look for opportunities to show kindness, offer protection, or provide for someone in need. Consider these questions as you apply this message:

Who in your life needs someone to simply notice them and show kindness?
What would it look like for you to “leave extra grain” for those in need around you?
How can you shift your prayers from asking for what you want to asking God to help you want what He wants?
What “next right thing” is God calling you to do today, even if it seems small or ordinary?

Remember, God works through people who simply say yes. Your ordinary acts of righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can have extraordinary impact in ways you may never fully know this side of heaven.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.