Job 42:7-10 And so it was, after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. "Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has." So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job. And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Problems, sicknesses und tragedies can suddenly enter into our lives. We can be thankful to God that our needs and misfortunes are unlikely to hit us like it did in Job's case, however, it could well be that in our time of need, we will be confronted with people just like "Job's friends". Don't worry, God is always in control, it could well be the case that "Job's friends" are a part of the test.

When you read the book of Job, you can see the good intentions which these friends had. However, their problem was that they were insensitive to Job's Situation, had little compassion, and possessed a lack of spiritual insight, and above all things, they were legalistic and self-righteous. You can still learn from these friends, and that is, to do better with God's help.

God corrected these friends and required of them to offer up a sacrifice for themselves, and that Job should intercede for them whilst doing so. Without doubt, Job was hurt by the behavior of his friends, and was only able to pray for them after he had forgiven them from his heart. It was from that point onwards that the fate of Job changed and God blessed him mightily.

Forgiveness is so important, however, God expects us to have love which goes beyond forgiveness. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (Proverbs 10:12).

If you meet up with "Job's friends", then don't allow them to leave you bitter, hurt, and misunderstood. Forgive them, pray for them, and with God's help, love them. With the help of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God, it is possible, and it is really worth it, for only then can God bless in abundance. ra

Additional verses to study: Matthew 5:20-26,44; Mark 11:25-26, Romans 13:10; l Corinthians 13