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Miserable comforters!

Scripture reading for May 23rd: Job 15-17

I had a friend whose twin brother had cancer.  This friend was a newer Christian and we belonged to a church that was into the hyper-faith message.  Some in the church told my friend that if he had enough faith, his brother would not die.  In a few months, the brother did pass away and some told him it was because of his lack of faith.  Their words were not comforting.

Isn’t it amazing how we can see the faults of another person and feel we have the solution!  Theologians and students of the Bible often become proud concerning what they know and forget that what they are studying is God’s heart and His way!   Job’s friends again attacked his character and accused him of a lack of understanding of God.  (Job 15:3-5)  Job was told that his sin had caused his mouth to be crafty and deceitful.  He was accused of being impure and therefore under God’s wrath. (Job 15:30)

Job’s response to this further accusation was to label his friends “miserable comforters”.  (Job 16:2)  Job needed encouragement and understanding.  He needed someone to pray with him and seek God’s help.  Job was in despair over these latest accusations and the trouble he was experiencing.  He wondered why God had shattered him and broken him.  He stated that his advocate was also on high and his witness was in heaven.  (Job 16:19)  Job knew that although his physical state was broken, God still loved him and would help him.

I realize that I have been the “miserable comforter” to some!  It is easy to have glib answers and quote standard Bible texts.  God wants us to have His heart of compassion for the hurting and downcast.  We must listen to them and hear their heart.  Often this is the best thing we can do!  We must allow the Holy Spirit speak through us and address the real needs as He alone knows.  My prayer today is that I would be sensitive to each hurting person that I encounter and that God would use me to be a true friend!