June 9

Job 2:11-13, 22:5-11

Not-so-friendly advice

When three of Job’s friends heard about his suffering, they decided to go and comfort him. Job’s children had died, all his animals had been stolen, and now his body was covered with sores.

At first, Job’s friends did not even recognize him. But when they did, they tore their clothes to show how upset they were. They sat with him in silence for seven days. Then, one by one, each of them started telling Job why all this had happened to him. One said that Job had sinned against God and should repent, while another said that he was being punished for something his children had done. However, Job could not think of anything wrong that he or his children had done.

How can I encourage someone who is feeling down?

We all go through times when it seems as though everything is going wrong. Perhaps you have noticed your mom or dad looking upset, or a friend who seems down in the dumps.

Have you been discouraged or worried lately? If so, you may understand how the other person is feeling. That can make it easier to say the right thing because you can say what you would have liked to hear when you were feeling down. “The God of all comfort comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” 2 Corinthians 1:4.

Rather than trying to point out possible reasons for what has happened, as Job’s friends did, ask your friend to tell you how they feel. If your friend becomes more upset as they talk, it may simply be because you are listening and giving them the chance to express their frustration, sadness, or anger.

Verse for today

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11