AS WE GATHER:  Consider a time in your life when someone showed you mercy. When was that, and what was it like?  Perhaps it was for a late homework assignment in school, forgiveness when you dropped the ball on a project at work, or maybe even forgiving a loan of some sort. Mercy is compassion and forgiveness    toward someone who either doesn’t deserve it or actually deserves punishment. In the Book of Ruth we     consider what it means to be shown undeserved mercy. Boaz had mercy on Ruth and Naomi. God works through Ruth and Boaz to selflessly provide for others’ needs. This narrative demonstrates God’s heart toward the lowly and helps set the context for David’s reign.  Christ has had greater mercy on us by providing        forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation for His people. God works through Christ and His Means of Grace to provide His gifts. He also works through others who work His mercy in the world.