Slander Or Comfort (Job 16)

Is this little assembly like some churches, judgmental, filled with slander and gossip rather than comfort? Are we like that? Let’s look at Job 16.

Is our church like Job’s small group of friends, where the suffering are accused and not comforted?

Then Job spoke again: “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak. (Job 16:1-6 NLT)

Does Job now accuse God of sending him bad company that just attacks him, not aware that it is the devil’s plan?

But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made all my company desolate. You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face. He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me. God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. (Job 16:7-11 WEB)

Does Job accuse God of shattering him, without pity, while flattering himself as a man without violence and of pure prayer?

I was at rest, but he shattered me, seized me by the back of my neck, dashed me into pieces; he raised me up for his target. His archers surround me; he cuts my kidneys open without pity and doesn’t care, pours my gall on the ground, bursts me open over and over, runs against me like a strong man. I’ve sewed rough cloth over my skin and buried my dignity in the dust. My face is red from crying, and dark gloom hangs on my eyelids. But there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. (Job 16:12-17 CEB)

Even though Job completely misunderstands what is going on, does he hold onto hope that God will show that he is right?

If I should die, I beg the earth not to cover my cry for justice. Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector. My friends have rejected me, but God is the one I beg to show that I am right, just as a friend should. Because in only a few years, I will be dead and gone. (Job 16:18-22 CEV)

Should our churches be filled with judgmental slander and gossip? Or should we be more like Christ?

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV)

Is this little assembly like some churches, judgmental, filled with slander and gossip rather than comfort? Are we like that? You decide!