A Virtuous Woman is a study of the Book of Ruth. The purpose of this study is to help us become more virtuous in our everyday living as Christian women. It is important for God to be glorified in our lives and for the characteristics of Christ to be evident in our actions and attitude. This Bible study takes a look at all the people surrounding Ruth and defines how they made a difference in her life. We will discuss how Ruth responds to these people, and how her life parallels to our lives today. Truly, the love that Ruth and Naomi displayed to each other was God's love. When they arrived in Bethlehem they were poor, alone, and probably felt like life had dealt them a bad hand. However, in the end, life was very good, not because of what anyone did except God through the life of this foreign woman. Our society today looks at our fame, class, wealth, and position to determine if they want to know us. Few look to see the qualities that are within, so we tend to overlook them too. Many times, we are focused on what it takes to "make it in this world," and society tells us what that is. This idea has even spilled over into the church. We decide who can do what in church based on these same set of standards. We have clicks in our churches where a woman who has a beautiful heart is overlooked because she doesn't wear the finest clothes. We don't want to hang out with a woman who has integrity because she doesn't fit our class. We want to be with the beautiful, well-to-do, charming women. They become our role model so we will act like them to be accepted and then we become dissatisfied with our life because we are never able to attain the beauty, charm, or income in comparison. It is important that we learn to look at women like Ruth as a role model. There is no mention of her beauty or charm and we know she is not wealthy. The beauty of her heart causes her to be desirable and this kind of beauty is attainable only through Jesus. This beauty is something no one can take away, it comes with favor, peace, and joy, and it shines from the inside out. At one time in Ruth's life, she was a woman of the world, a pagan worshiper, until she met God through Naomi. Too many times, we forget that we were once a woman of the world, a sinner, until we met God. Just as Ruth went through the process of change to become virtuous, so must we, regardless of what we look like on the outside. Ruth was willing to make many changes in her life that created beautiful qualities in her heart and because of Ruth's willingness to change; she helped change the lives of those around her. She continues to help change the lives of women today as we read her story and understand what it means to be a virtuous woman. What could we do in the lives of those around us if we would be virtuous in the sight of all the people in our town? Through this study, we will learn what it means to be like Ruth, a virtuous woman.
About the Author: Sharon Hoskins began writing short stories about her journey as a new Christian in 2001. When God took her through trials in her life, she documented her experience, and the spiritual application of being on the Potter's wheel. These short stories became testimonies that she shares with others, encouraging them that Christianity is a journey that we walk each day. Then, when she surrendered to teach women, she began writing weekly studies, and eventually, weekend retreat studies. Her first book, "Rebekah's Confidence" was taught as a weekly study. She uses the same process of spiritual application in her books as she does in her own life, sharing testimonies and the realness of living for the Lord. Each book began as a study she wrote for a meeting or retreat, so they are designed to help with different situations in our lives as women, they are intended to help grow us closer to the Father and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. Today, Sharon travels the country teaching at conferences, introducing her Bible studies, and sharing her testimony, to help women everywhere.