Mercy
Good Morning,
Most of us are familiar with the life of Job: his sufferings, his difficulties, the death of his family, and his financial disaster — all of these things piled onto the life of one of the finest men that lived in the land.
Job's so-called friends came first to comfort him, but soon criticized and judged him. His so-called friends poured salt in the wound of Job’s soul by attacking his children, his morality, and his personal relationship to God. Much bantering back-and-forth between Job and his friends took place, but the following statements reveal a profound truth:
Job 19:2 “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?”
vs. 3 “These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.”
Job wondered why they were attacking him. What was the point of making him more miserable? Why would they invest their time and energy attempting to diagnose the wrong living of this man they had once called their friend? I believe this is a common occurrence in today’s society as well.
Job continues…
vs. 4 “And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.”
“It is my fault,” Job said, “it is my doing and none of your business.” Many times we criticize people, and meddle in their business of marriage, finance, child rearing… when their “error remaineth with” them. It is not our problem to fix or to criticize.
vs. 5 “If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:”
vs. 6 “Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.”
Were Job’s friends simply promoting themselves? Were they doing these things to magnify their own lives and freedom through the suffering Job faced? Job assures them, “It is God who overthrew me.”
Considering these verses I wonder…
1. Why do we pick on those who are facing their own trials?
2. Why do we point out that it was their own dumb fault?
3. Why magnify their poor decisions? The situation is not our own!
We are not to run the life of another, even if they are doing wrong.
vs. 4 “And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.”
The wrongdoing of another is their own error, and unless they are seeking our advice or help, let it remain their choice. As Paul wrote, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
There is no spiritual reason to add to the suffering of another, even if it was their own fault. When we criticize and accuse, we are simply being critics with pride, self-promotion, and vanity ruling our words — it is all wrong! I have no idea how hard another tried or is trying. I cannot imagine the suffering another faces along life’s path; it is vanity to act as if I have the answer they desire. God was not pleased with these men; in the closing of the story, Job prayed for his friends and God had mercy on them.
May we be careful not to verbally examine those who are hurting. May we love and care for those in need.
Pastor