“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 NLT
In the Old Testament story, the words of Job’s friends or counselors not only failed to comfort him but added to his distress. Job wanted and needed the help of others. He said, “the souls of the wounded cry out for help” (Job 24:12b NIV). Unfortunately, his friends were unable to provide relief. In fact, they even suggested his suffering might be his fault.
Like Job, at times I felt discouraged hearing the words of some well-meaning friends, relatives, or acquaintances. I remember a call from a friend who attempted to encourage me when I was recovering from a bone-marrow transplant. “Georgia, you can’t sit around doing nothing and feeling sorry for yourself. Do you think you are the only person who has ever suffered? You need to pull yourself out of the pit of despair. Get on your horse and ride again.”
While I don’t doubt he had the right intentions, his words not only communicated a lack of sensitivity for my fragile physical condition, but I felt like he was saying I was totally responsible for my plight.
It was already hard not to doubt myself when everything in my life seemed terribly wrong. I already wondered what I had done, what sins I had committed, to end up where I was. Isn’t that what Job’s friends suggested? That his sins created his troubling circumstances?
Sometimes I have brought problems on myself, but other situations are not my fault. Either way, I need people in my life to encourage and pray for me, not add to my depression and blame me for all that is wrong.
Lord, help me to be the kind of friend who brings healing and encouragement to others.
Reflection for Gaining More:
Are you willing to pray for your friends and believe the best in them even when their words wound you?
