Recently, my mum came to visit and stayed with me for a couple of weeks. What began as a joyful reunion soon tested my patience in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Some of the things she did were minor—nothing significant enough to justify getting upset—but I found myself growing increasingly irritated.

In the Book of Ruth, we find one of the Bible's most profound examples of loyalty. Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, goes beyond mere family duty; it is a deep, sacrificial loyalty that ultimately leads to great blessings. Ruth’s story challenges us to consider what loyalty looks like in our own lives—our loyalty to God, to family, and to our faith, even when the path seems uncertain.

Society loves to set these weird “milestones” for life, right? Like, somehow, by age 25 you’re supposed to be married, with a degree in hand, and maybe even a mortgage? Meanwhile, some of us are just trying to figure out what's for dinner! And don’t even get me started on the beauty standards, career pressures, or the idea that you need to "have it all" by 30. Let me tell you. You don’t.

This week at Bible study, we dug into James 1:19-21, particularly the part that says, "Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." It’s a scripture many of us know, but here’s what I learnt from my friend during bible study: We should also be slow to take offense. Yeah! Most of us don’t realize how quickly we get offended, holding onto grudges like they’re souvenirs from a party. But the thing is: as Christians, we’re called to extend grace to others—just like the grace we expect for ourselves.