Is It True? Is It Kind? Is It Necessary?
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Job 36, 37 and Psalm 131 (NIV)
(Ryan Lim (CIC team))
READ:
“Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress, Into a broad place where there is no restraint; And what is set on your table would be full of richness. But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked; Judgment and justice take hold of you.” Job 36:16-20 (NKJV)
OBSERVE:
What a terrible thing to say to someone who is suffering. Without understanding, he assigns blame and concludes that God is punishing Job. It reminds me of John 9:3 (NKJV) “Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” There are times when misfortunate is not due to sin.
While we know that Elihu points out how little we understand of God’s ways, his words were unkind. A friend shared this verse with me, Job 36:4 (ESV) “For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.” Indeed, God is with the afflicted.
My friend lost her 5-year-old son recently, and she blames herself for it. I am glad many people tried to encourage her and console her, telling her it was not her fault. I am uncertain if it reached her, but I can only pray that she will find some measure of peace and know that all she did was for his best. I can’t imagine what would happen if there was someone like Elihu speaking to her. It would have further shattered a broken mother’s heart.
Is it true? Is it kind? And is it necessary? These verses make me question what my true intent is when I speak to others. What exactly is my aim?
But sometimes, no words can console a grieving and heavy heart. It might be better to just be present and to cry out to the Lord for help.
APPLY:
The verse reminds me to ask myself, is what I am about to say necessary? Is what I am about to say edifying and kind? Is what I am about to say true? I need to ask myself, why am I saying such things and how is it glorifying God? If not, then perhaps I should just keep quiet.
DO:
I must guard my tongue and use it to spread compassion and kindness rather than hurt and judgment.
PRAY:
Lord, guard the words that come out of my lips. May all that I say be truthful, uplifting, kind and necessary. I pray for comfort for my friend, may you continue to strengthen her in this time. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
