Mass media show lot of shows that revolves around the eternal fights between Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. High dramas, emotions, weeping, scheming, and even violence is shown. However, the Bible provides a great model and inspiration.
“But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grants that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.” (Ruth 1:9)
1) Dignity: Naomi treated her daughters-in-law with dignity. She did not mock them or curse them as the source of all misfortune that fell upon her and family. Naomi did not blame them stating that they swallowed their husbands, i.e. her sons. Naomi was mature enough to treat them with respect. Sadly, this is not seen even in Christina homes.
2) Giving options – freedom: Naomi gave opportunity and freedom to go back to their own homes. She did not compel them to follow her to Israel. There are mothers-in-law who expect their daughters-in-law to be in perpetual slavery and service.
3) Acknowledged their goodness: Naomi told Orpah and Ruth that they were kind to her as well as her sons and their husbands. Instead, of looking at their imperfectness, Naomi had maturity to look for their kind words and deeds and appreciated them. Rarely, a mother-in-law will acknowledge anything good in a daughter-in-law.
4) Wished them a new marriage: Naomi wanted both Orpah and Ruth to get married again. They need not remain widows and die alone. She wished them a new life with new life partners and a joyful home. Naomi was indeed generous towards her daughters-in-law.
5) Urged Ruth also to go: Naomi in fact requested Ruth to go back to her home like Orpah. (Ruth 1:15) Yes, she did not want Ruth to suffer, as Naomi would probably suffer and die in utter loneliness.
Is our family a model for our society?