Comfort God’s People Whenever we speak, we’re not speaking for ourselves, but for the Lord. Therefore, we need to be careful in how we respond to others. Eliphaz was once again rebuking Job saying his present distress is because of sin, and instead of being distraught Job should be happy that God is reproving and disciplining him. “Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17 NAS Job responds saying that while this is true his consolation is that he hasn’t denied God’s word, Job 6:9-10. Eliphaz’s advice is true. We shouldn’t look unfavorably upon the Lord’s discipline, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, Hebrews 12:6. But Eliphaz’s advice it’s missing an important ingredient, compassion. Job said, “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14 NAS We can say right things the wrong way. We are far too quick to point out the faults and failures of others, especially when difficulties or calamities strike. We tell them the reason they’re going through such and such a problem or difficulty is because of this or that sin. Instead we should be bringing comfort and speaking words of hope to those who are in despair, otherwise they may feel unworthy or worse, that God doesn’t love them, and walk away from their faith in God. Job brings out saying, “so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty. While people need to know truth, when they are in the midst of suffering they don’t need our condemnation; they’re already condemning themselves. Nor do they need our biblical arguments. Instead they need compassion and kindness. In Isaiah 40:1, the Lord said, “Comfort My people.” When we open our mouths, we need to respond with words of comfort to those who are in despair and have been broken by life. Let’s show them God’s heart of love.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 14:43:23 +0000
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