Good Grief

Hardship is a natural part of life of life in a fallen world. As God's children, we are called to comfort those who mourn. We need to develop the skills necessary to aid others in their grief.  Although their behavior and attitudes in the rest of the book of Job don't display wisdom, we can learn wisdom from the examples of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar from Job 2:11-13.

Let's look at what they got right:

1. When they heard of Job's troubles, they sprang into action. They got together and went to show their support. We need to show our support and bring comfort to those in need.

2. They entered into Job's grief. When they saw their friend, but couldn't really recognize the man they knew and loved, they openly grieved. They wept loudly. They tore their clothes. They put dirt on their heads. All of these things indicated a deep, sincere grief. They hearts were breaking for Job.

3. They gave the gift of time. They sat with Job for seven days and nights. They just plopped right down next to him at the village dump. Job need someone to share his burden, so they joined him.

4. They gave him the gift of silence. During their seven day stay in the dumps, none of Job's friends spoke. They waited for him to break the silence. His heart was wounded, and they knew that no words could heal it. So they waited.

If they book would have ended here, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar would have been heroes. Their methods of grief counseling would be legendary. Unfortunately, they had to open their mouths and ruin it with horrible accusations and bad theology.

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have shown us what we should do (and what we should not do) to help those who are grieving. If we follow the example they give us in Job 2:11-13, we will help to facilitate good grief in our communities. How do you help those around you, who are hurting?