4 Signs You Might Have a Keeper

Building God-Honoring Relationships: Four Signs of a “Keeper” from Ruth 2

Scripture References

• Ruth 1
• Ruth 2
• Proverbs 5

Overview

Pastor Craig continued the Ruth series by tracing the moment Ruth and Boaz first interact in Ruth 2. Their budding relationship offers a framework for modern dating and marriage that honors God. Instead of focusing on what we hope to get, we’re challenged to become the kind of person worth finding—because, as Craig repeated,

“You don’t just attract what you want; you tend to attract what you are.”
Four movements in the text reveal how to seek character, build connection, show thoughtful consideration, and look for godly confirmation.

Main Points

Seek Character

• Boaz notices Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, her hard work, and her decision to leave Moab’s gods for Israel’s God (Ruth 2:11).
• He highlights none of her physical traits; the focus is her heart.
• Question to ask ourselves: Am I a disciple who tells the truth, serves, and looks more like Jesus today than yesterday?
• Warning: A righteous marriage cannot be built on a foundation of ongoing sin.
• Practical filters when meeting someone: their friends, speech about family, treatment of servers, work ethic, and sexual boundaries.

Explore Connection

• Boaz invites Ruth to a public, safe lunch (Ruth 2:14)—no private “Netflix and chill.”
• They talk and share food; no rushing into physical intimacy.
• Illustration: Craig’s first-date horrors (accidental bloody nose) and the outdated but sincere “mixtape” he made for Amy showed effort and intentionality.
• Healthy dating pursues the person, not just the body.

Show Consideration

• Boaz quietly instructs his workers to leave extra grain so Ruth can gather two weeks’ wages in one day (Ruth 2:15-17).
• He protects her dignity by allowing her to work while blessing her beyond the minimum.
• Application: put in effort—plan the date, bring a thoughtful (not expensive) gift, honor sexual purity, exceed expectations.
• Men who want a Ruth should aim to be a Boaz—generous, protective, initiative-taking servants.

Receive Confirmation

• Ruth returns home, and Naomi immediately senses God’s favor: “Blessed is the man who took notice of you” (Ruth 2:19-20).
• Trusted community—family, friends, life group—can affirm (or warn about) a relationship.
• If everyone you respect waves red flags, pay attention, especially if premarital sex is clouding judgment (“sex is intoxicating,” Proverbs 5).
• Family dinner test: in Craig’s clan, new significant others are informally observed—do they serve, converse, fit the culture?

Key Truths

• Godly relationships start with godly character, not chemistry alone.
• Dating should be a discovery process, not an audition for instant marriage.
• Genuine love goes beyond minimum requirements and looks for ways to bless.
• Community confirmation is a grace safeguard against self-deception.
• Jesus is our ultimate Guardian-Redeemer, able to heal any heart or marriage surrendered to Him.

Response

• Pursue daily habits that grow Christ-like character before looking for a partner.
• Date in environments that foster honest conversation rather than hidden compromise.
• Intentionally serve and honor the other person—plan, protect, provide.
• Invite mature believers to speak candidly into your relationship.
• If in sexual sin, repent and “sober up” so you can see clearly.
• Trust Jesus, the Guardian-Redeemer, to restore what’s broken and guide your next step.

Closing

Pastor Craig reminded every listener that no sin is too big for God’s grace and no marriage too broken for His healing. When two people seek one God, all things are possible.

“Jesus is our Guardian Redeemer—He chooses to give us everything even when He owes us nothing.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig led the church in two prayers:

1. Intercession for strained relationships, marriages, and those waiting for a spouse—asking the Holy Spirit to bring healing, wisdom, and testimonies of restoration.
2. A salvation invitation, guiding many to repent, receive forgiveness through Jesus, and begin a new life in Him.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App
• Bible App for Kids
• Bible App Lite