The Gift of Presence: Learning from Job's Friends

“"He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”Job 6:14 In the Bible we are told that during Job’s time of grieving, his three friends came to mourn with him and to comfort him. For the first 7 days they sat and wept with him because he was in deep sorrow. “No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great”. Their presence alone was a comfort to him.When Job was finally able to respond, he told his friends what he needed from them. He asked for reasons to continue hoping, for kindness and for words that did not presume guilt.Remembering the story of Job and his friends may help us when we don’t know what to say to a friend when they’re hurting. Remember we can spread God’s grace by being there for friends when they need us, not speaking, not lecturing, just comforting and loving. Be Nice, Grace Wins