By Karen Polich
Bringing us to Job 4-5 (read at biblegateway.com), Pastor Michael Cook discussed what it means to be a true friend and the responsibility that comes with it.
Job was suffering and Eliphaz, cloaked in the guise of friendship, offered counsel. How many times have you received this type of counsel? How many times have you given this type of counsel? We will all have opportunities to speak into the lives of those around us. What message are you speaking?
Misguided counsel often comes from well-intentioned friends.
It is one of the biggest tools Satan uses to spread discouragement. Eliphaz was thought of as wise, but he was far from any biblical wisdom in his counsel to Job. There is much to be learned from Eliphaz about what not to do as a friend.
Pastor Michael Cool shared six potential woes of friendship as he continues teaching from the book of Job.
- Misguided Attitude
- Theological Incorrectness
- Spiritual Experiences
- Accusations
- Instruction
- Clichés
Listen to the podcast here to learn more.
When engulfed in suffering, words spoken can shed light or merely add to the pain. A friend who comes with a humble heart full of love and compassion has the ability to speak hope in the midst of anguish.
We can learn much from Eliphaz and his condemnation of Job. He is a clear case for what not to do. Sometimes in the suffering, it is the mere presence of a real friend who speaks no words that brings the greatest comfort.
How many solid, real friends do you have? A friend who will stick with us through anything is a blessing. Are you that type of friend?
Do you reflect the love and compassion of our God?
Beyond First 