grief

Most of us will, at some point, stand beside someone whose world has fallen apart.

A spouse dies. A child walks away from the Lord. A cancer diagnosis changes everything. A job is lost. A dream comes to an end.

In those moments, we desperately want to help. But what do we say? What should we avoid? How can we encourage without unintentionally adding to someone’s pain?

Job’s friends started well. They showed up. They wept with him. They sat quietly.

Then they opened their mouths.

Instead of comforting Job, they became what he later called “miserable comforters.”

Today we’ll learn from their mistakes and discover practical, biblical ways to comfort those who are suffering—with wisdom, compassion, and the comfort we’ve first received from God.