The story of Ruth and Naomi teaches children that God is with us in sad and hard times, and that loving and staying loyal to people can be a way of showing God’s love. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God takes care of us even when life is sad, and He often shows His care through the kind and loyal people around us.
Memory Verse
Ruth 1:16
Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.
(WEB)
Hold both hands in front of your chest, then slowly bring them together and wrap your arms around yourself like a hug. Do this each time you say the verse, so children remember that loyal love stays close.
The Story: Ruth 1 for Kids
Long ago, there was a time when the land of Israel had no food. Many families were hungry and worried. A man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons moved to a faraway place called Moab so they could find enough to eat.
In Moab, the two sons married women from that land. One was named Orpah, and the other was named Ruth. For about ten years, the family lived happily together. Then something very sad happened. Elimelech died, and later both of Naomi’s sons died too. Naomi was left with no husband and no sons, and she felt very alone.
Naomi heard that God had blessed His people in Judah with food again. She decided to go home. She told her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your own mothers’ houses. May the LORD be kind to you.” Orpah cried and kissed her goodbye and went back home. But Ruth would not leave Naomi.
Ruth said something very brave and loving. She told Naomi, “Wherever you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” Ruth stayed with Naomi and walked with her all the way to Bethlehem.
When they arrived, the people in the town were surprised and asked, “Is this Naomi?” Naomi felt very sad and said she had come home with empty hands. But God was still caring for them both, and Ruth and Naomi were together in their new home.
Read It Together
Ruth 1:6
Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab; for she had heard in the country of Moab how the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.
(WEB)
Point out that Naomi heard God had provided bread for His people. Explain that God was still caring for them even when they were far away from home.
Ruth 1:8-9
8 Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me. 9 May the LORD grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices, and wept.
(WEB)
Show children that Naomi wanted good things for her daughters-in-law. Notice how she prayed for them to find rest and happy homes.
Ruth 1:17
Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”
(WEB)
Help children see that Ruth promised to stay loyal to Naomi, even until the end of life. Talk about how real friends and family keep their promises.
Talk About It
- How do you think Naomi felt when she lost her husband and sons?
- What did Ruth do to show she loved Naomi?
- Why do you think Ruth chose to leave her own home and go with Naomi?
- Who is someone in your life who has stayed close to you when things were hard?
- How can you show loyal love to a friend or family member this week?
Activity Ideas
Friendship Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw one way they can stay loyal to a friend or family member. Let them decorate the heart and hang it where they will see it every day as a reminder of Ruth’s loyal love.
Follow the Leader Walk
Clear a space in your room or yard. Have one child lead a walk around the space while everyone follows closely behind, staying together. Explain that Ruth followed Naomi and stayed close, just as the children are staying close together. Switch leaders a few times so each child gets a turn.
Loyal Love Card to Take Home
You will need index cards and a pencil. Ask each child to write a short note to someone in their family, such as “I will stay with you.” Let them decorate the card and take it home to give as a gift. Encourage them to talk with that person about what loyal love looks like at home.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that loyalty and faithful love are at the heart of God’s care for His people. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, even when it cost her security and her homeland, points forward to the kind of steadfast love God shows to all who trust Him. For adults, it is also a reminder that God often works through ordinary acts of kindness and commitment.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always reward kindness with easy or happy outcomes. The story shows Naomi still grieving and feeling empty, so be honest that sad feelings can remain even when God is near.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us in sad times and hard days. Help us to be loyal and kind to our family and friends, just like Ruth. Thank You that You always care for us. Amen.
