And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for you all you require, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability). – Ruth 3:11, Amplified Bible (AMP)

There are times in life when you will be an outcast. The reason for your being on the “outside” may be innocent, such as when you are the new kid in the neighborhood, in church, in school, or at work. Rightly or wrongly, it just takes time for most people to adjust to someone new. In some cases, the reason for the shunning is much more egregious (very bad and easily noticed), such as when prejudice prevents people from welcoming you into their fold. Worse yet, the prejudice may lead to more than just shunning; it could lead to outright abuse.

As much as you would like to, you cannot control how others think, feel, or act. However, you can influence the behavior of others with something you can control: your behavior. When you are a person of integrity, loyalty, obedience, and compassion, people will take notice, and often your soft demeanor will melt the icy hearts of the stubborn. Ruth’s behavior did just that, turning any prejudice she may have encountered into the admiration of a city and into the love of a near kinsman. Due to her character, the elders of the city asked God to bless the Gentile bride with the same blessings He bestowed upon the mothers of Israel. Because of her actions, Boaz loved Ruth from the moment he met her, blessing her with both his provision and his protection from day one.

Choose to be a person of integrity, loyalty, obedience, and compassion. Many times you won’t feel like being these things, but, thankfully, character isn’t based on how you feel. It is based on how you choose to act. If you are faithful to God in these areas, He will bless you in many ways, not the least of which will be to move you from the status of “outcast” to the status of “welcome friend.”

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