“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17.What comes to mind when you read these words from the book of Ruth? I think of the words, commitment, loyalty, and friendship. Ruth knew the value of a promise and how to keep her word. Making a marriage commitment is similar to the promise that Ruth made to Naomi in this passage. Still, this type of promise can be difficult because most people aren’t experts in people skills, and marriage is often a one time commitment we don’t take a course in or plan for. There’s no class on becoming a great marriage partner in college or high school. Relationships require the same kind of thoughtful attention, planning and deliberate investment that we give to our physical health and financial portfolios. Most people think relationships should just happen with minimal effort, but relationships take work. Ruth knew her promise to Naomi and to her God would require effort and sacrifice. I pray that the Lord will teach us how to become steadfast at the commitments we make.