Well, I'm reading through Job now and it seems to me that there are 4 guys talking a lot about things they know nothing about... they appear to be trying to understand God and explain how we "ought" to live to make things "work"... it's pretty clear that they don't know what they are talking about... no clue as to what is really going on... I wonder what God wanted us to know about Him when He gave us this piece of writing... it seems clear to me that suffering is inexplicable in Job's story and somehow God shows us a man who continues to trust Him despite his personal suffering... and how that suffering is increased by his friends... wow... how do I do that? Where am I clueless as I talk to those in pain? What would be a better way to respond to their hurt?
Something like "I don't know why this is happening to you. I am so sorry." Perhaps that is it? I believe that God is good despite the circumstances, but is that helpful to hear when you are hurting?
Please lead me with Your Spirit and I walk through this day and come in contact with hurting people....
I think just being present is usually the best thing that can be done, sometimes saying nothing, sometimes saying "I don't know why this is happening" sometimes also adding that "God is good despite the circumstances." But all hurt and the context of it is different, as are your relationships with the hurting people you encounter. Let love and the Holy Spirit guide you rather than an outsider's sense of what needs to be said in all circumstances. -- Dawn
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts. Always appreciate your perspective and your heart in these matters :)