Today’s Reading, Job 29-31
Focal Scripture: Job 30:9 “Now I am mocked by their songs; I have become an object of scorn to them.”
When things go bad for people there are those who rejoice in that persons pain and suffering. This reveals much about the persons heart who rejoices and mocks when people are going through difficult times. It demonstrates a person who does not understand grace and a person who is not in tune with the Holy Spirit. They enjoy kicking people while they are down. This happens from unbelievers and unfortunately believers.
In today’s reading we see Job explain that in his suffering people are now coming after him. They are ridiculing him and making fun of him. He goes on to say they despise him and even spit in his face. Imagine doing that to a person who has experienced the losses that Job has in his life. Instead of being built up, others are trying to destroy him with their words.
The application for believers is to make sure we have an attitude that builds others up, especially when they are suffering. Even if a person is going through a difficult time that they caused on their own they still need to be encouraged. There will be a time to have a pointed conversation with them but it is not in the midst of their suffering.
Unfortunately, some people like to kick those who are down and pile more on them. For instance, have you ever seen how people will say something like this “it doesn’t surprise me that they are going through ________, they also did ________.” They pile on when the person is hurting.
This however, should not be the attitude and heart of a believer. We need to be people of encouragement. We need to be people who love others. We should never find satisfaction in the suffering of others, even if they wish us harm. Even though we know that people will mock our suffering we have to keep our focus on God in the midst of our troubles.
If you are a person who rejoices in the pain of others you need to check your heart and repent. In no way is this the attitude of Christ Jesus. Be a person who brings compassion and grace to other peoples lives.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Job 32-34
