Truth: When Applied Out Of Context…..

Truth is edifying and restoring, but when applied out of context, it can do more harm than good. Eliphaz was exactly right when he told Job that his reverence for God should give him confidence; when his integrity should give Job hope. The problem wasn’t with the truth, rather Eliphaz was leaving out one major factor, Job’s humanness. Eliphaz wasn’t walking in Job’s shoes, which would’ve changed the way he approached the situation. What he told Job was true, but his application of truth in this situation was not accurate in Job’s case. The human element in relationships is paramount. Truth trumps everything, but it needs to be applied with a dose of compassion. And that compassion only comes from God Himself. Without God’s counsel, Eliphaz would’ve been better off keeping his mouth shut (like he had done for the prior week). Some times the best thing we can do for hurting souls is to put our arm around them, and listen. Letting someone know you care, without saying words is one of the most effective things we can do when facing a friend in mourning. Truth always has a place in conversation, but when it misapplied, it can be received as bad advice. Ask God to help you when you have a grieving friend. Ask Him to give you the words to say, or non-verbal actions to put into practice that may help the healing process begin. If you can put yourself in another’s shoes, you’re on the right track when it comes to helping a hurting soul. It starts with God.

3 “In the past you have encouraged many people;you have strengthened those who were weak.4 Your words have supported those who were falling;you encouraged those with shaky knees.5 But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart.You are terrified when it touches you.6 Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence?Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope? 7 “Stop and think! Do the innocent die?When have the upright been destroyed?8 My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same. Job 4:3-8