Sermon Study Guide | Series: Love Is | Sermon: Worth Waiting For | Scripture: Ruth (selected passages), Proverbs 4:23, John 3:16 | Date: February 8, 2026

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CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

Have you ever made a decision out of emotional hunger? whether in a relationship, a purchase, or even a friendship, and realized later that you were settling for less?

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us live with a kind of relational “starvation” that can cloud our discernment. Take a moment to reflect on how our culture treats love like a grocery run when we’re starving, everything looks good, and wisdom often gets replaced with urgency. What would it look like to slow down and anchor your heart in God’s timing instead of your own appetite?
Be honest and share with your group.

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

• What does it mean to “guard your heart”?
  
  Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
  
  In your experience, what does guarding your heart look like practically? Is it more about boundaries, emotional wisdom, spiritual discipline—or something else?
  
  
• Ruth made a bold decision to stay with Naomi rather than return to comfort.
  
  Read Ruth 1:16–17. Why do you think Ruth chose loyalty over ease?
  
  Have you ever made a decision that went against the easy option in order to stay faithful to God or someone else?
  
  
• Boaz is introduced not just as a romantic interest, but as a man of integrity.
  
  Read Ruth 2:11–12 and 3:9–13. What stands out to you about Boaz’s response to Ruth?
  
  How does his example challenge the way we think about love, power, or purity today?
  
  
• Our culture often says “follow your heart,” but scripture encourages us to guard it.
  
  Why do you think that difference matters—especially in dating, marriage, or even friendships?
  
  
• Jesus is described as our ultimate “Redeemer.”
  
  In what ways do you see parallels between Boaz’s role in Ruth’s story and Jesus’ role in ours?
  
  What does it mean to you personally that Jesus chose to redeem you not out of obligation, but out of covenant love?
  
  
• Impulse vs. Integrity
  
  The message challenged us to consider whether we’re choosing impulse over integrity in our relationships or personal decisions.
  
  What are some “threshing floor” moments you’ve faced—times where your choices were tested? How did you respond, and what did you learn?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

• If you’re single or dating: What would it look like for you to stop shopping for “vibes” and start praying for covenant character? 
  
  • Are you building the kind of character that someone like Ruth or Boaz would notice?
    
    
• If you’re married: Where are you tempted to rewrite your covenant because of a difficult season? Try a “30-Day Remodel Fast”—focus not on changing your spouse, but on asking God to reshape your own heart.
  
  
• If you’re divorced or grieving a relationship: What unhealthy patterns or pain might God want to “winnow” on the threshing floor of your heart? 
  
  • How can you redefine your worth not by your past but by your Redeemer?
    
    
• If you’re widowed: Like Ruth, your story may begin again in unexpected ways. Who is your “Naomi” or “Obed”—someone in whom you can invest your love and loyalty in this next season?

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

God of love, thank you for showing us that love is more than a fleeting feeling—it’s a steady, sacrificial, and loyal commitment. Help us guard our hearts—not out of fear, but because they are treasures you’ve entrusted to us.

Teach us to live not by impulse but with integrity, to honor others and ourselves the way Jesus honors us. For those waiting on your promises, give patience; for those hurting, bring healing; and for all of us, anchor our wills in you. Thank You for being our Redeemer who didn’t pass us by but chose us at great cost. Amen.

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