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People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling. Job 12:5 NLT
It’s easy to analyze why other people struggle. You have answers to questions they never asked. You offer unsolicited opinions. You mean well, but your words can inflict additional wounds.
Toss phrases around like, “If you just made better choices,” or “If you ask me,” or even “I thought this would happen.” When you do, don’t be surprised when conversation is cut short or a strain in your friendship develops.
Job’s trial was unique. His friends assumed he’d offended God and a massive struggle was his divine paycheck. Job defended his own innocence, but while he was down, his friends kicked a little harder and pushed when he stumbled.
The earliest days of their visit were different. They just sat with Job and kept quiet. There’s benefit to simply being a friend who listens and refuses to attempt to fix things unless help is requested.
Friends should never be left to endure alone, but they also don’t need your personally drafted five-step recovery plan. Pray for those who must endure. Listen to them as they express their pain. Allow God to speak to them in your silence.
Prayer: Father, because I don’t want to see friends hurt, it’s possible I will say things I think will help but won’t. Give me the wisdom to let You speak while I wait with my friend.
It’s easy to analyze why other people struggle. You have answers to questions they never asked. You offer unsolicited opinions. You mean well, but your words can inflict additional wounds.
Toss phrases around like, “If you just made better choices,” or “If you ask me,” or even “I thought this would happen.” When you do, don’t be surprised when conversation is cut short or a strain in your friendship develops.
Job’s trial was unique. His friends assumed he’d offended God and a massive struggle was his divine paycheck. Job defended his own innocence, but while he was down, his friends kicked a little harder and pushed when he stumbled.
The earliest days of their visit were different. They just sat with Job and kept quiet. There’s benefit to simply being a friend who listens and refuses to attempt to fix things unless help is requested.
Friends should never be left to endure alone, but they also don’t need your personally drafted five-step recovery plan. Pray for those who must endure. Listen to them as they express their pain. Allow God to speak to them in your silence.
Prayer: Father, because I don’t want to see friends hurt, it’s possible I will say things I think will help but won’t. Give me the wisdom to let You speak while I wait with my friend.
