Look to the interest of others
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Phil 2:4.
Looking to the interests of others is one of the Christian Virtues. The Book of Ruth reveals this virtue through the human beings presented in it. Naomi has lost all the male members of her family and is left alone. she is a widow with her daughters in law who are also widows. Naomi is old and needs the support of others. Even in that situation, she tells Orpha and Ruth to go back to their own people in the interest of them. Orpha kisses Good bye to Naomi and is heard no more.
Ruth who is unmindful of her own interests, clings to her mother in law , because she is mindful of Naomi. At times of losses, failures and disappointments, what one needs is human company. Ruth is willing to give it to Naomi and support her. So, she follows her decisively. She never looks to her own interests.
When the choice of marrying Ruth is given to Boaz, he consults another person who is a closer relative to Naomi . When he expresses his unwillingness to take responsibility for Naomi and Ruth, he marries her and begets Obed. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz were particular about the interests of others. No wonder Christ came in this lineage, who looked to the interests of mankind and left Heaven and became human.
Philip Sidney, while lying wounded, gave his water to another wounded soldier saying ” Thy necessity is greater than mine”
As Christians, do we look to the interests of others and care for them without being selfish? If we lack in this, let us pray that He helps us to grow in His likeness.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to be sensitive to the needs of others and show you through our kindness and care. Amen.
Sol.Angelin