Support; Don't Blame
Job 4:17 Eliphaz, one of three friends, comes to support Job, but he also tries to figure what Job did to cause his predicament. Like Eliphaz, we can tell our family and friends why they are going through pain, where God just wants us to love on them.
8/13/20261 min read
Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? Job 4:17 (NKJV)
Eliphaz, one of three friends that came to comfort Job, starts by uplifting Job, recounting all the good that he did for the community, but deviates as he tries to reason out why Job is suffering, insinuating that his predicament was due to sin in his life. Assuming that Job is being disciplined by God, Eliphaz tells him that no one is punished unless they have done something wrong. Then Eliphaz questions Job's righteousness when he says, "Can a mortal be more righteous than God?" which was theologically correct, but applied wrongly, assuming Job must be guilty. God had said that there was no man more righteous than Job in chapter one. Instead of diagnosing Job's problems, he should have offered support and understanding.
As Christians, we are called to love and support those going though hardships and not try to fix or lay blame for their predicament. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ," which does not say to blame, but is a direct call to share in the struggles of others. When someone is in trouble, Jesus directs us to listen, share burdens, offer comfort, and forgive, avoiding blame, focusing on restoration and mutual care rather than assigning fault. When we support and don't blame, we reflect Christ’s own compassion and forgiveness, that He demonstrated in His ministry and teachings.
Choose to be like Jesus in supporting others instead of blaming them, letting His love, compassion, and humility shape your actions and attitudes. Jesus loved people regardless of their background, failures, or status, and loving like Him means choosing grace over judgment, even when it’s hard. Serve with humility like Jesus because greatness in God' kingdom is found in humble service. Pray with those in need, offer practical help like making a meal or helping with errands, and listen to them letting them know you are there for support. Choose to reflect Jesus’ heart, which is being supportive, humble, and full of grace, so that people in need feel seen, valued, and uplifted rather than judged.