Love means many things, such as loyalty, fidelity, and always thinking of the other. Ruth showed all of these qualities. Ruth was not an Israelite but from Moab. The folks from Moab were not regarded very highly by Israelites. After her Israelite husband died, she had the opportunity to return to her people - her mother-in-law Naomi released her from all obligation. But she stayed - she cast her lot with her beloved mother-in-law even though it involved risk. Wherever Naomi would go, so would Ruth, and she would adopt the God of Israel as her own. This is a touching and challenging story in a world where commitment and loyalty seem to be disappearing.

What is the greatest of the commandments? There is only one - love God with everything that you have and all that is in you. The second part - to love your neighbour as yourself - is an extension of the first. The two go together and cannot be separated. Love is not necessarily warm feelings or even liking someone. It means being faithful, loyal, kind, and concerned for the well-being and happiness of others, even those who do not return that love. The Bible, ethics, and morality are all summed up in that one commandment. To live this commandment is to walk in God's ways; not to do so is to walk away from God regardless of how 'religious' a person might be. Let every thought, word, and action be an expression of this commandment.