It Is Not Our Place (Job 16:1-5)                             GRIEF

I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you! Job 16:2
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Today, let’s look at Job’s friends. 

Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu were good friends who came to be with their dear friend Job during his time of grief. They took time to be with Job. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads (Job 2:12). They empathized with him.

They spent the first seven days with him in silence. They just sat on the ground because they saw how great his suffering was. Sometimes that is one of the best things we can do when we visit those who are suffering. Just our physical presence can be a great comfort. 

But they soon each took turns to give Job lengthy lectures. They told him that he was going through troubles because of the judgment of God. But they were not right. Even God was angry with them (42:7) for not speaking the truth about Him. 

We are not to pass judgment on those suffering. It is not our place. We are called to mourn with those who mourn. We can encourage them to endure faithfully. In and through their pain, help them keep their trust and focus on the truths about God. Though we don’t always understand why, we can always rely on who God is. He never changes. He remains faithful and true, our loving Heavenly Father. And that offers great encouragement and hope. 

How will you be a blessing to a friend who is suffering?

Lord help me point those who are suffering, to who You are, I pray.

Extended Reading – Job 14-16

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