Ruth 1:15-16 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (NIV)
The Oxford dictionary defines selflessness as: concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
Naomi was an old woman in the bible who had lost everything. She left her country Israel with her husband and two sons for a better life in Moab. Unfortunately, her husband and two sons died, leaving her with her two daughters in law (Oprah and Ruth) who were native Moabites.
As native Moabites, the easier option for Oprah and Ruth should have been to stay back among their people and remarry.
Ruth chose the harder and much more uncertain option by following an old woman who had little hope of survival back to Israel. This decision was not rooted in a desire for adventure, rather it was rooted in a deep love for Naomi. Ruth could not afford to leave Naomi stranded.
Silas is another example of selflessness in the bible. He was one of the leaders in the church at Jerusalem. As a leader, he had a certain level of influence, comfort and stability in the church.
At a certain period, he was sent on an errand alongside Judas to strengthen believers in Antioch because they were prophets. After completing their official assignment, the believers in Antioch prayed for them and let them go. But Silas decided to remain there because He loved the brothers and sisters there beyond his assignment. Acts 15:34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there (NKJV)
Ruth went on to get more than she bargained for. Faced with uncertainty, she cared more for her mother-in-law Naomi, was blessed beyond her imagination and became an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Book of Ruth)
Silas (Silvanus) also got more than he bargained for, he was chosen by the Apostle Paul on a missionary journey, suffered for the sake of Christ, enjoyed a powerful jailbreak miracle (Acts 16) and became a co-author of two books of the Bible (1st and 2nd Thessalonians)
So what next?: Think about yourself less and practically look for ways to put others first. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 NIV)
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know I cannot love others or be selfless in my own power. Please give me the grace to live and love like you. Amen.