Day 234: How To Be A Good Friend

22 Aug, 2017

The Daily Word: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017
Job 4:1-7:21
1 Corinthians 14:18-40
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 21:27
For full text click here.
Join us on Facebook Live for the Daily Word Broadcast!

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:  

But who can withhold himself from speaking? – Job 4:2

Job’s friends just couldn’t keep quiet. They couldn’t do it! Job’s entire life was turned upside down in an instant. He lost everything he owned, and everyone he loved. So they started trying to explain Job’s suffering. They incorrectly assumed Job deserved everything that had happened to him.

But Job’s friends were wrong. Job didn’t deserve anything. It was Satan – not God – who brought on Job’s suffering; and quiet strength – not a lecture on righteousness – was what Job really needed. Job didn’t need lectures; he needed love. A good friend speaks life and encouragement in times of need, not judgment.

Do you know someone going through a tough time? Quietly bear the burden with them. Don’t try to “fix” what’s wrong; don’t even try to explain it! That is God’s work, not yours.

Prayer:

Father, help me to be a good friend! Whenever someone around me is going through a tough time, help me to respond in love, and not judgment. Help me to quietly bear the burden of their pain with them, with no questions asked!

Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.

© Michael D. White, 2017. All rights reserved.