Lessons From the Old Testament: Principles of Counseling From Job
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Recognize the value of silent sympathy. (Job 2:12,13; 13:5)
Like God, be able to show kindness even to those who are suffering for their own sins. (Job 6:14-23)
Beware of pious platitudes which ease your own fear but fail to have impact on the sufferer. (13:12; and see 4:7; 5:17; 11:6; 11:7-9, etc.)
Be ready to listen as though hearing for the first time and take what is said at face value. (12:1-3; 13:17)
- You may never have faced this situation before (16:4)
- You may not be experiencing the same level of discomfort (12:5)
- God may be asking you to re-examine your own assumptions
Don’t be surprised by dramatic mood swings. (Job 3:3; 6:8-10, 11-13, 24-27; etc.)
Do not assume sin is the cause of the suffering. (Job 6:29)
Give to the sufferer the same freedom God gives them to express their disappoint with God. (Job 42:7)
Believe that God is willing and able to minister to the needs of every hurting person. (Job 38-42)
Related Articles
- Lessons From the Old Testament: How NOT to Counsel People in Pain (thimblefulloftheology.wordpress.com)
- Lessons From the Old Testament: How to Counsel People in Pain (thimblefulloftheology.wordpress.com)
- Why This?? Why Now?? Why Me?? (thecounselingmoment.wordpress.com)
- 10 Reasons to Believe in a God Who Allows Suffering (thecounselingmoment.wordpress.com)
About the Author
Randall Johnson
A full-time pastor since 1979, Randall originally graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) in 1979 and from Reformed Theological Seminary (DMin) in 1998. He is married with four grown children and a pile of epic grandchildren.
