DCLM Daily Manna, Tuesday April 19, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Love with Compassion

Topic: Love with Compassion [Tuesday April 19, 2016]

Text: Job 6:14-23

Key Verse: "To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty" (Job 6:14).

The Vulgate, a Latin version of the Holy Bible, aptly captured the attitude of Job's friend, Eliphaz, when it stated, "Qui tollit ab amico suo misericordiam, timorem Domini dereliquit. " This, when interpreted, means, "He who takes away mercy from his friend, has cast off the fear of the Lord.”

Job, by all implications, deserved mercy from his friends when he was afflicted. Unfortunately, he got the reverse. Eliphaz had, in effect, despised Job, even when he should have known that "a friend in need is a friend indeed.” Job's friends supported one another in an attempt to smear his reputation. They felt that he might have committed some sins to have warranted such affliction upon his life. Through their approach, they promised him much sympathy and compassion, which raised Job's expectations. He later discovered, through their conduct, that they were physicians of no value. Job described his friends as dry streams, which travellers could not rely on.

When his life was good, they were good friends, but when he had troubles, they could not help him. Rather, they maligned him with unkind words and actions. There are some so-called Christians who are like Job's friends. Normally, when a man has troubles, his friends should support him. Even unbelievers give support to their friends in hardship. Yet, some brethren use the opportunity to besmear their fellow brethren, instead of rendering assistance. We ought to support one another.

The Scripture says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). We should help people who need our help and also sympathise with them. You get God's blessings when you come to the aid of others.

Thought for the day: Bearing one another's burden is the highpoint of brotherly love and kindness.

Bible Reading in one Year: Acts 26-28

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.