A Friend in Need

As Job struggled through his severe trials, he must have felt as though the last thing he needed was counsel from people who only wanted to tell him what he had done wrong—and his three friends are remembered for doing just that. Nevertheless, these men started out with good intentions, and their initial actions are instructive for how we can serve a friend in need.

* They set out as soon as they heard about his trouble.

* They made up their minds to work together, arriving as a group to mourn with and comfort their friend.

* They showed empathy when they wept for Job.

* They showed their support for Job when they tore their robes in anguish, publically displaying their grief.

* They gave Job their silent presence for seven days, comforting their friend with their presence yet giving him time until he was ready to unburden his heart.

* They listened patiently to Job’s expressions of sorrow and frustration.

As we seek to comfort people suffering deep pain, our simply being present provides help and encouragement. Rather than always seeking to analyze or solve a problem, sometimes our patient, empathetic company can do the most good.

Taken from The Modern Life Study Bible