17/10/11 Job 1-2; Acts 6-7
S: Job 2:11-13 When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief.
Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.
O: We often think of Job's friends in a negative light because of what they did subsequent to this demonstration of love by sitting shiva. What they did here was the right thing to do -- it was only after this that they made their mistake.
A: When someone is bereaved, we often don't know what to say or do. We sometimes make things worse by mouthing platitudes -- he's in a better place, God loved her so much He wanted her in heaven, etc.
We need to learn to sit and mourn together with them. Offer them practical help like helping them do the daily tasks that they might not be up to doing due to their grief.
P: Father, please give us Your wisdom to be true comfort when a friend is grieving. In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
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