"Then Job answered and said: 'I have have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all! Shall words of the wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul's place. I could heap up words against you,and shake my head at you; but I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief" ~Job 16:1-5~
The power of our words! Job was really suffering. He had lost everything. And now, even his friends begin to find fault with him, looking for a way to blame him for all that has happened. How heavy a burden to feel guilt for your children's death, or for other great losses.
Not all suffering is the result of someone's sin. Yet sometimes we as humans make really bad choices, and suffering does result from the consequences. But either way, you and I can bring comfort and encouragement into the life of a hurting soul.
Job reminds us to consider, "if your soul was in my soul's place..." What words would we long to hear? What words would we crave to feed our soul with just a little peace? A little relief of our grief? You and I can direct others to Christ in their time of need. We can pray. We can share a verse of hope. We can speak a verse of restoration into a destroyed life. It is not our job to bring conviction, as judge and jury. That is the Holy Spirit's job. We are to be a light house, allowing God's love to shine through our every word and every action, drawing weary wandering people that have lost their way safely home. Help others find strength in Christ to rebuild beyond the pain.
