Take the Most Generous View

Open the Bible UK Daily

A man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.

Ruth 1:1

Here we come to a question that will affect how we understand and apply this story. Some commentators castigate Elimelech and Naomi for moving to Moab. Should they have stayed in Bethlehem and trusted God to provide?

God’s Word offers other examples of faithful believers moving in times of famine, such as Jacob going to Egypt (see Genesis 46). The Bible makes no comment on this family’s decision. It simply tells us that this is what they did.

A similar question arises over the marriages of Mahlon and Chilion. Were they breaking Old Testament law by marrying those who did not believe? The fact that both Ruth and Orpah accompanied Naomi back to the Promised Land seems to indicate that they had made some profession of faith.

Swiss theologian Ludwig Lavater says, “When the Scriptures do not accuse men, neither ought we to accuse them. And when matters are ambiguous, we should rather believe better things about men.”

That’s an important principle: Where there is doubt about another person’s actions, choose to believe the best. Take the most generous view possible. Always think the best, unless compelled by evidence that cannot be put in a better light.

The focus in this story is not on Elimelech’s decision. It is on how God brings blessing to His people in every circumstance. Don’t waste time reassessing your choices. What is done is done. God works for our good when our decisions were wise. God works for our good when our decisions should have been wiser.

Which of your own decisions have you been reassessing in the rearview mirror? Turn them over to God and trust Him to work out all things for your good.