“Too Clingy?”

Ruth 1: 14: “And they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clung to her.” Most people today would congratulate Orpha for “moving on” while reviling Ruth for being “too clingy,” all coming from the popular contemporary root of “You gotta look out for number one.” Orpah was giving Naomi a parting kiss; she would go away and never see her again. Her relationship with the family had been for her benefit only. In contrast, Ruth clung to Naomi for the benefit of her mother-in-law; her aim was to support her to the end. Guess which approach reflects the teaching of the Gospel? If you don’t know now, you will by Saturday; it’s the core of the Office Memos this week.