#soap # Job 16 ## Title: Be An Encouragement ## Scripture: (Job 16:5-6) But I would strengthen you with my words; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. “But if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I refrain from speaking, how much of it goes away? (NET) ## Observation: Job is basically telling his friends they are doing a bad job at being good friends. He is in this extremely low state. He has lost everything and even his health has been destroyed. They come and start out well by simply sitting with him. Then, once they start talking, it goes downhill. This is a tough one because true friends tell us what we need to hear, even if it hurts. This is likely what Job’s friends are doing. They think Job has sinned, so their job is to point it out. However, when someone is hurting, we must always be careful to balance truth with love. So today, where do you need to add a little extra love? ## Application: Always tell the truth, but always make sure to add a healthy dose of love. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for always leading the way in this.