RPG Adults
PROVIDENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE (6)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
Ruth 4:1-10
Philippians 2:1-4
“…they tempted and provoked
the most high God…”
PROVIDENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE (6)
Prudent decisions can save one from many sins and snares. All seeking to enter into marriage ought to be diligent and careful to examine themselves and make the right and godly choice, in accordance with God’s will for their lives. The nearer kinsman deferred his right to Boaz, and Boaz took it up joyfully and willingly.
“…redeem thou my right to thyself…” (Ruth 4:6). Although the kinsman was not willing to marry Ruth, he did not oppose Boaz nor hinder Ruth’s marriage to Boaz. This may be key to relationships among brethren that is lost today. Selfishness reigns so much so that someone is willing to destroy everything intentionally, claiming “if I cannot have it, then no one should.” People are inclined to hoarding things that they do not use and, in the process, deprive others of opportunity to use them. People also disregard common courtesy and ignore the good of others by showing heartless indifference, holding on to things that would be more profitable to others than to them, like giving up a seat to someone else who may need it more than they would.
In relationships, selfishness is seen in many young men and women, who enter into relationships without intent of marriage, and get others attached to them, use and abuse them, as well as hinder them from marrying other persons, and depriving them of security and happiness in life. “Nothing can be a greater indication of a selfish and grovelling mind, than for a man to work himself into the affections of a young woman so far as to hinder her from listening to the addresses of others, whilst he is balancing in his own mind whether he will marry her or not, and behaves in such a dubious manner, that expectations are raised, whilst positive engagements are avoided. Let all young women guard against such insidious enemies of their peace. A man cannot be truly in love with a woman, when his self-love is so strong, that he attends only to his own comfort and interest, and cares not what pain he inflicts upon her to whom he pretends a regard.”
THOUGHT: Increase in selfishness is a sign that we are in the last days.
PRAYER: Give me grace, Father, to overcome selfishness.