IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Integrity Under Attack

 Those misguided men did something even worse.  They actually cast doubt on not only Job's integrity but the very idea of integrity!  In his opening speech, Eliphaz described and eerie enounter with an unseen spirit. The conclusion that Eliphaz drew from that demonic experience was poisonous:  "God "has no faith in his servants, and he finds fault with his angels."  By that reasoning, mere humans can never please God! Later, Bildad claimed that Job's integrity would not matter to God-anuy more than would that of a maggot! - JOB 14:12-18; 15:15; 22:2, 3; 25:4-6.

Have you ever tried to comfort someone in the throes of great pain? It is not easy. But we can learn a great deal from Job's misguided acquaintances-mostly about what not to say.  In their endless flow of high-sounding words and faulty logic, those three men never even address Jon by name!  They gave no thought to  Job's wounded heart and saw no need to treat him gently.  So if someone you care about is feeling low, try to remain warm, personal, and kind. Seek to build up the person's faith and courage, helping that one to trust in God and to believe in His great kindness, mercy, and justice. That is what Job would have done for his companions had he been in their place. (Job 16:4, 5) How, though, did he react to their persistent attacks on his integrity?

Next time: IMTATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Job Stood Firm

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