Job Chapter 6. Just plain mean?
Job finally responds to Eliphaz and all his false accusations. Job tells Eliphaz that he is in great pain with no hope. No patience. And no strength.
Job accuses Eliphaz of making false accusations against his integrity with no examples of wrongdoing. He accuses Eliphaz of showing no compassion and just being plain mean.
We are surrounded with people who are greatly suffering. They truly feel hopeless and have no strength left to move forward. They stay in bed. They're depressed. They wish they were dead.
Maybe we aren't lacking with compassion as Eliphaz was with Job, nor making false accusations. But our lack of compassion demonstrated by our neglect to even reach out and help those in pain has equal negative results.
Sure, I can boast how I would never be so mean as Eliphaz with my words, but to do nothing at all to help those in pain is wrong. To become so focused on self that I miss the needs of those around me is selfish and equally harmful.
Lord, help me to be aware of someone today in pain and then help me respond in a way that helps promote HOPE for their life.
I’m reminded today of what we read in James 5:9-11.
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.