At our Bible study yesterday, we discussed Matthew 7. "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." (7:1-2 NRSV) and the Golden Rule... "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (7:12) Often, we like to look at these verses separately. But, since they are both in this same chapter, maybe we should look at them together. When my children were young, I often taught them these verses as one lesson. (I hope they remember this lesson) Do to others what you would have others do unto you, because what you do to others will be done to you. Or... what you give, is what you get... what goes around, comes around...
In our reading from Ruth, we see this principal at work. Ruth has chosen to care for and provide for her mother-in-law, Naomi. She didn't have to. She could have went home to her family when her husband died so that the men of her own family would provide for her. She couldn't have taken the easy road - the wide road. But, she didn't. Instead, she is out picking up the left-overs in the field so that she and Naomi can eat. Boaz looks kindly upon her and chooses to ensure that they are both cared for and fed. She is treated as graciously by Boaz as she treats Naomi.
How often do we wonder why bad things seem to always happen to us, why we seem to be in a state of crisis so often without considering that just maybe we are receiving exactly what we would and have given to others.
May God grant that each of us would be more generous to one another that we might all live in peace...
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