Are compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another and forgiveness traits of our church? Let’s begin in Job 18.
Does Bildad claim that Job’s words lack understanding, that cause and effect are rock solid logic?
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: “How long till you put an end to words? Gain understanding, and afterward we will speak. Why are we counted as beasts, And regarded as stupid in your sight? You who tear yourself in anger, Shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed from its place?” (Job 18:1-4 NKJV)
Does Bildad argue that punishment of his wickedness is the only possible explanation for Job’s suffering?
Surely the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. The sparks of their fire will not glow. The light in their tent will grow dark. The lamp hanging above them will be quenched. The confident stride of the wicked will be shortened. Their own schemes will be their downfall. The wicked walk into a net. They fall into a pit. A trap grabs them by the heel. A snare holds them tight. A noose lies hidden on the ground. A rope is stretched across their path. (Job 18:5-10 NLT)
Did Bildad continue to connect Job’s suffering with his presumed sins?
Terrors will make him afraid on every side, and will chase him at his heels. His strength will be famished. Calamity will be ready at his side. The members of his body will be devoured. The firstborn of death will devour his members. (Job 18:11-13 WEB)
Did Bildad seem to allude to Job’s suffering as just punishment like burning sulphur rained on Sodom and Gomorrah?
They are snatched from the safety of their tent; it parades them before the king of terrors. Nothing they own remains in their tent; sulfur is scattered over their home. Their roots dry out below; their branches wither above. The memory of them will perish from the earth; they will achieve no recognition abroad. They are thrust from light into darkness, banished from the world. They have no offspring or descendants among their people, no survivor in their dwelling place. (Job 18:14-19 CEB)
Did Bildad claim that Job’s is the fate of all sinners, a universal rule?
Everyone, from east to west, is overwhelmed with horror. Such is the fate of sinners and their families who don't know God. (Job 18:20-21 CEV)
Rather than harsh judgmentalism, what traits does God want in His church?
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:12-13 ESV)
Are compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another and forgiveness traits of our church? You decide!
