Topic: Empathy Not Hatred [Sunday January 29, 2017]
Text: Job 26:1-14
Key Verse: “Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:14).
When things go wrong as they sometimes would as long as we are still in this present evil world, what one expects from friends and acquaintances is empathy, love, care and understanding. Instead of these, the friends of Job were adducing that his suffering and afflictions were as a result of his sins. They were not charitable to him in his time of need.
This is why Job asked the six questions in verses two to four of our text. How we need to be more cautious today when we are faced with situations we do not understand! In fact, the Scriptures enjoin us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Having raised the questions in the first four verses of our text, the rest of the passage deals with the deeds and wonders of God which are beyond human comprehension. The Scriptures, and nature itself reveals unto us the wonders of our God.
These are meant to stir in us reverence for God, to fear Him and to worship Him. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead…” (Romans 1:20). There are several lessons we must learn from this passage. One, we should empathize with those who are afflicted or are suffering and see how we can help them out of their predicament instead of adducing reasons for their suffering. Two, we should not have an “holier than thou” attitude towards our friends, neighbours and acquaintances.
Three, we should not think evil of others (1 Corinthians 13:5). Instead of criticizing or finding faults, we should intercede for others, be kind in words and in deeds and not forget the wonders of God. We should remember that God knows all things and He can do all things. We should leave judgment to God and do our best to help those who are suffering around us.
Thought for the day: Those in despair need love and empathy, not critical and judgmental spirit.
Bible Reading in one Year: Romans 7-9
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
