None of us stands alone—on our own. We all stand on the shoulders of someone who came before us; someone who laid a foundation, set an example, taught us, mentored us, led us, and loved us.— Pastor Lori Anderson
If you are planting for a year, plant grain. If you are planting for a decade, plant trees. If you are planting for a century, plant people.
Mentorship has always been a powerful tool for shaping lives, forming legacies, and bridging generations. The book of Ruth offers a profound example of this through the story of Naomi and Ruth. Their relationship exemplifies the nature of mentorship, a sacred exchange of wisdom, support, and guidance that can uplift and transform both the mentor and mentee.
After the tragic loss of her husband and sons, Naomi felt abandoned and bitter. She even asked to be called Mara, meaning "bitter," as she returned to Bethlehem in a state of grief (Ruth 1:20). Yet, despite her suffering, Naomi chose to focus on her daughter-in-law, Ruth’s future and well-being. In this act, Naomi exemplified one of the most critical elements of mentorship: the ability to guide others even when enduring personal hardship.
Ruth, bound by loyalty and deep love for Naomi, refused to leave her side, demonstrating the importance of commitment in mentor-mentee relationships. As Ruth declared, “ Where you go, I will go... Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). This partnership of mutual respect and dedication became the foundation for a relationship that would bring blessings not just to them but to generations to come.
Naomi’s strategic guidance, such as advising Ruth on how to approach Boaz for protection and marriage, was pivotal in shaping Ruth’s future. Recognizing Ruth’s potential, Naomi offered practical steps to secure her position in the community. Conversely, Ruth trusted Naomi’s wisdom, allowing Naomi to act as a mentor who shaped her mentee’s life in ways Ruth could not foresee on her own.
In this mentoring relationship, trust was a key ingredient. Naomi trusted Ruth’s loyalty, and Ruth, in turn, trusted Naomi’s guidance. Naomi’s decision to step back and allow Ruth to handle her interactions with Boaz independently—such as when Ruth went to the threshing floor—illustrates the delicate balance between guidance and granting the mentee the freedom to grow and make their own decisions (Ruth 3:6-9). This reflects an important principle of mentorship: knowing when to step back and allow mentees to apply lessons and initiatives on their own.
The lasting legacy of Naomi and Ruth’s relationship is felt across generations. Their lineage ultimately led to King David, and through him, to Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13-17). The impact of Naomi’s mentorship was not confined to one lifetime but echoed throughout biblical history, showing that effective mentoring can shape future generations.
The story of Naomi and Ruth invites us to reflect on our own mentorship experiences. Who has been a Naomi in your life, guiding you through difficult periods, offering wisdom, and supporting your growth? And how are you acting as a Naomi to others, mentoring and investing in those who need guidance?
Whether you are a mentor or a mentee—or both—the importance of fostering these relationships cannot be overstated. Mentorship is about mutual respect, trust, and growth. It challenges us to sharpen each other, as Proverbs 27:17 describes, through shared wisdom and support.
Who mentors you? Who are you mentoring? How are you stewarding your mentoring relationships?