Day 237

Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1

A Friend in Need

The book of Job usually causes us to ask the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But today’s reading brings up another issue: “How do we react when we see suffering in someone else’s life?” Job’s friends are convinced that he is suffering because he is either intrinsically evil or has some unconfessed sin in his life. However, the real issue is that Job doesn’t need them as judges; he needs them as friends.

Many times we are reluctant to help somebody if we believe that their suffering was caused by their own poor choices. How do we reconcile that with the idea of God saving us while we were still sinners? (Romans 5:8) Do we think we are so great that God owes us a favor? The Psalmist remembers how God has lifted him from the mud and mire. In response, he proclaims God’s faithfulness. We proclaim what God has done for us by doing those same things for others. Therefore, take some time today and look at those around you who are suffering. Are you a friend to them, the way Christ was a friend to you?

If you can help them or bring them comfort in any way, do it! Don’t do it because they deserve it, but because that is the kind of person God is calling each of His children to be.

Fr. Paul Head