Saturday Sermonette - Family and Friends: Priceless

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. Job 2:11 NKJV

A lot is said about how mean and how self-righteous Job's friends were--but at first, their friendship had been invaluable. Job was suffering--both grief and discomfort assailed him. These three friends came and sat with him in silence, sharing his grief over his lost children and sympathizing with him over all the pain he was suffering. For three days, none of them said a word, just sat with him.

That's friendship.

The last three months would have been unbearable for me without the prayers and support of my friends and family. I ache for people who don't have that in their lives--and for the people who aren't giving it.

You don't have to say anything to someone who's grieving or in severe pain. There's not a better salve or benefit than those friends who are present. Not giving wise or unwise advice. A warm hug is worth a thousand words. Sympathetic tears are diamonds. Presence is a beautiful gift.

My gratitude goes out to you, my precious loved ones. May God hold you all through all your aches and mournings. And, may He grant me the privilege of giving a little of that back wherever needed.