Job 16:2 “I have heard many such things; sorry comforters are you all.”

NOT A WORD

Recently I was called to a home where someone’s brother had just died.  I have known this person for 10 years.  I needed to be there to lend comfort, but words were not necessary.  There were no words that were good enough to ease the pain.  So, I told them that.  I did pray, but I did not quote a bunch of verses and wax eloquently.  I just prayed.

Job needed friends to be with him, not try to figure out what he did wrong.  I love his words here.  “I have heard many such things; sorry comforters are you all.”  Haven’t you wanted to say that sometimes?  He is trying to tell that he doesn’t want their advice, just their love and friendship.

TEACHING MOMENT

How do we teach comfort to a child?  They will only learn this first hand.  When you comfort them, they will learn.  When they see you comfort others, they will learn.  Comfort is not taught – it’s caught.  Sometimes we just hold them tight and love on them.  That’s comfort.  Sometimes we pat them on the back.  That’s comfort.  Sometimes we cry crocodile tears with them.  That’s comfort.

Whenever you child is hurting remember they are taking mental notes of how you comfort them.  Over the years they will fine tune their comforting skills by watching you.  If you want a hardhearted child, then be stoic and hard on them.  That’s what you will get.  But if you want a child who recognizes the hurt in others and seeks to comfort them, then be that to them.

Are you hurting today, Mom or Dad?  Are you seeking comfort in something or someone that is not healthy?  Were you brought up to not cry?  Stop right where you are and seek the Great Comforter.  He is always listening to His children.  He wants to use His Holy Spirit in your life to not only convict you but to also comfort you.  Won’t you let Him?

Remember, your children are watching!