What sort of friend
always believes the worst in us? Is that even the behavior of a friend? I've
had a few women I considered friends, but who disappointed me, even betrayed my
trust. I eventually moved on to find new ones.
Friends love and speak
truth to us, but they also believe in us and will be willing to tell us if we
are on the wrong path. Isn't it curious the friends Job embraced? I've often
questioned his ability to judge a man's character because of his choice for
supporters.
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside. (Job 23:10-11)
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside. (Job 23:10-11)
I didn't stop to consider
that maybe Job wanted to teach his companions about the true nature of God, and
that is why he didn't dismiss them as out-of-line when they questioned his
character. When they inferred he must have done something bad for all this
calamity to befall him, he didn't tell them to go home. He listened and
continued to sit with them.
Job's friends held to a
belief that God punishes; that when something bad happens to us it is because
of something bad we did first. Job’s friends do not offer any grace here. They
assumed the worst, but Job knew different. He also knew his God and put his
faith to work during this season.
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