TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD: Week of November 13 to 19, 2023, “When we give comfort, let us not be like Eliphaz”, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD: November 13-19, 2023, “When we give comfort, let us not be like Eliphaz,” Prepared Speech. 

“When we give comfort, let us not be like Eliphaz” (10 mins.)

Because of the problems we face, whether it is the death of a loved one or illness, we need to be comforted. Throughout his time on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ showed time after time tenderness and compassion towards those who suffered. How can we imitate it? Following biblical principles. The Bible often encourages us to show tender feelings, even if it is sometimes difficult for us.

One way is by opening our hearts wide. Another is to listen carefully to those who tell us their problems. And we can ask ourselves: If I were in your place, how would I feel? What would I need? 

In this speech titled: "When we give comfort, let us not be like Eliphaz." We will see how Job needed comfort, but Eliphaz's words did not console him. In his three speeches he implied that God is so demanding that nothing his servants do is good enough for him. Eliphaz.

Although well-intentioned, he made serious mistakes in trying to comfort Job during his time of suffering. His approach to the situation contains fundamental lessons for all of us in our daily lives. Let's please go to the story of Job, Chapter 15, verses 14 to 16. If he found it, let's read it together, please, he says the following......

LET'S READ JOB 15:14-16.

14 How can a mortal man be pure, or how can he who is born of a woman be righteous?

15 See, God does not trust in his saints, and not even the heavens are pure in his eyes. 16 How much less someone who is detestable and corrupt, a man who drinks injustice like water!

When Eliphaz approached Job, he conveyed a message that implied that God is so demanding that no human action could fully satisfy him; he projected the image of a God who was unattainable, unsatisfied and severe in his demands. For this reason, we must be very careful that this way of thinking does not infect us, as it could lead us to believe that God demands too much of us, since that is a criterion that can undermine our relationship we have with Jehovah.

This way of reasoning can mean that when we receive some discipline that we need, we do not humbly accept it, but rather our hearts may become enraged against Jehovah himself and we may harbor resentment in our hearts. This thinking could lead to regiment-worn spirituality and a lack of trust in a God as loving as Jehovah. 

However, when reading this very negative message about Jehovah, it leaves us in no doubt who was behind Eliphaz, who, far from comforting Job, sought to tear him down spiritually. Another error in judgment by Eliphaz was what he said in Job Chapter 15 but this time verse 20 if he found it, accompany me with the reading please it says like this… ..

LET'S READ JOB 15:20.

20 The evil man lives in torment all his days, all the years set for the tyrant.

Obviously Eliphaz's words did not comfort Job. Job knew that what the ifaz said was not true, since all of Jehovah's servants, including Job, know that Jehovah is delighted with the efforts we make to serve him, that even bad things can happen to righteous people, as mentioned. Psalms 34:19.

So as we can see from the text of Job 15:20, Eliphaz's second mistake was to judge Job, implying that his suffering was the direct result of his wickedness. His words provided no comfort to Job. His approach, filled with accusations and judgments, left Job in even greater distress. It is vital to remember that when providing comfort, we need empathy, compassion and genuine understanding, not judgments or unfounded assumptions. As a result, Job responds with disappointment to the supposed consolation. Please now look at the book of Job, chapter 16, verses 1 and 2. Let's read together it says like this...

LET'S READ JOB 16:1-2.

Job responded with these words: 2 “I have already heard many things like these.What annoying comfort you all give me!

It is essential to understand that what Eliphaz said is false. Jehovah is not an unattainable God nor is he dissatisfied with his servants. God appreciates our efforts and is close to those who sincerely seek Him. So dear brothers, what lessons can we draw from Eliphaz's attitude? 

First of all, we must remember that God is compassionate and merciful. For this reason, let us not fall into the trap of judging the suffering of others, but on the contrary, let us be bearers of comfort by providing unconditional support, understanding and empathy instead of unfair judgments.

Secondly, let us remember that our words and actions should be a balm for the wounded heart. True comfort lies in understanding, active listening, and support with actions, not just words. 

In our activity guide we can see an image corresponding to this week. There we can clearly see an example of what we should not do when we want to comfort someone. Eliphaz's pointing finger was insinuating that Job's suffering was the direct result of his wickedness and that Jehovah was not pleased with his servants' efforts to serve him. As a result we can see Job's face, heartbroken.

So: How can we lift the spirits of those who are depressed? Well, we can tell them how much we care about their situation and sincerely congratulate them for the good things they do despite the difficulty they are facing. We can also remind them that they are very valuable to Jehovah, since he was the one who gave them the opportunity to get closer to his son. . 

Furthermore, we can assure you that God cares about all who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, as our loving words can soothe the pain of those who need comfort. 

Therefore, dear ones, as we mentioned at the beginning, let us follow the example that Jesus left us when treating others: The humility and compassion of Jesus prompts us to follow in his footsteps when comforting others. If we do, we will be a comforting balm for those who suffer.