Ruth 1 | Bitterness

What happens when bitterness blinds us to God’s blessings? In this sermon from Ruth 1:6–22, we encounter two women responding to hardship in very different ways. Naomi, overwhelmed by grief and loss, returns to Bethlehem convinced that God has left her empty. Ruth, meanwhile, demonstrates remarkable faith by leaving behind her homeland and false gods to follow the God of Israel. Through their stories, we discover how bitterness can lead to isolation, how God works through imperfect people to bring others to faith, and how His generosity exceeds our expectations. Whether you’re struggling with disappointment, wrestling with faith, or simply feeling empty, this passage reminds us that God meets us in our messiness and continues His gracious work in our lives.