4 Signs You Might Have a Keeper

Dating and Marriage Wisdom from Ruth and Boaz

Scripture References

• Ruth 2
• Proverbs 5

Overview

Using the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz, today’s message unpacked how disciples of Jesus can date and marry in ways that honor God. Pastor Craig traced four clear “C’s” in Ruth 2—character, connection, consideration, and confirmation—and showed why you don’t just attract what you want; you attract what you are. The call was to become people of growing spiritual character, trust the guardian-redeemer love of Christ, and believe no relationship is beyond God’s healing.

Main Points

Seeking Character

• Boaz notices Ruth’s inner life before her appearance (Ruth 2:10-12).
• Her loyalty to Naomi, break with Moab’s false god, and willingness to work hard all speak louder than looks.
• Question posed: “Are you a person of spiritual character?”
  • Daily pursuit of God in Scripture, truth-telling, integrity, service, growing Christ-likeness.
• Warning: You cannot build a righteous future on a foundation of sin; start living a godly life now.
• Practical checkpoints while dating: look at friends, family language, treatment of servers, work ethic, sexual boundaries.
  • Quote:

    “You don’t build a life of righteousness on a foundation of sin.”

Exploring Connection

• Boaz invites Ruth to a public, safe lunch (Ruth 2:14) rather than private isolation.
• They talk and eat; no rushing physical intimacy, “Netflix and chill,” or premature future-planning.
• Story: Pastor Craig’s first date with Amy—mixtape, prayer in the Honda Accord, two Bible studies—illustrates intentional effort to know each other’s values.
• Counsel: Ladies, look for a man who initiates conversation and pursues you, not just your body; men, put in real effort.

Showing Consideration

• Boaz quietly instructs workers to drop extra grain so Ruth can gather plentifully while keeping her dignity (Ruth 2:15-17).
• He exceeds the minimum required by law; generosity and protection signal honor.
• Application: Don’t settle. Seek someone who exceeds expectations—thoughtful dates, protective purity, gracious service.
  • Illustration: Amy secretly stocked Craig’s empty fridge while they were dating; exceeding expectations won his heart.

Receiving Confirmation

• Naomi, a trusted spiritual voice, blesses the budding relationship when she sees Ruth’s enormous haul of grain (Ruth 2:19-20).
• Healthy relationships welcome affirmation from godly community—family, life-group, mentors.
• Red flag: if everyone who loves Jesus and loves you expresses concern, listen—especially if premarital sex is clouding judgment (“sex is intoxicating,” Proverbs 5).
  • “If your dog doesn’t like him, pay attention.”

Key Truths

• A godly marriage tomorrow is built on godly character today.
• Effort, thoughtfulness, and honor reveal a person’s true intentions far more than appearance or chemistry.
• God often confirms healthy relationships through the wisdom of trusted believers around you.
• Sex outside the covenant of marriage intoxicates and distorts discernment.
• Jesus is our ultimate Guardian-Redeemer; He willingly gives what we don’t deserve and can heal any relationship surrendered to Him.

Response

• Examine your own character and repent of areas that don’t reflect Christ.
• Date (or continue marriage) with clear boundaries that protect purity and dignity.
• Invite mature believers to speak honestly into your relationship decisions.
• Refuse to settle for partners who pull you away from Jesus; pursue those who draw you closer to Him.
• Trust Jesus, the Guardian-Redeemer, to restore what is broken and guide your next step.

Closing

Pastor Craig ended by reminding listeners that no sin is too great for God’s grace and no marriage too broken for His healing. The invitation was to step out of “Moab” and move toward the God of Bethlehem—toward Jesus, who makes all things new.

“There is no sin too great for God’s grace, and there is no relationship beyond God’s redemption.”

Prayer

The congregation prayed for struggling marriages, wisdom in dating, strength for singles, and personal transformation. Pastor Craig asked God to bring miracles in relationships, fill believers with love and forgiveness, and draw anyone far from Him into new life through Jesus.