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Job 30:25
25 Did not I weep [bakah] for him that was in trouble [qasheh] [yowm]? was not my soul [nephesh] grieved [`agam] for the poor ['ebyown]? KJV-Interlinear
25 'Have I not wept for the one whose life is hard? Was not my soul grieved for the needy? NASB
In times of prosperity and good fortune, Job felt deeply for those who suffered. Job was not indifferent. Job was not insulted or embarrassed by those that were afflicted. Job did not consider himself greater than, or superior than, or inconvenienced by those who suffered.
Job was generous in his charity, and promoted and supported the teachings of God.
Likewise in his own suffering, he expects no less from his friends, who were so loyal when he was successful … but now somehow they have been insulted by their former relationship with Job. As though Job has somehow cheated them, or deceived them into their relationship.
When things (outside of the marriage) go badly in a marriage, does a wife accuse her husband? Do friends blame friends because of the inconvenience or embarrassment of the friendship? And certainly no one should presume that they are above or exempt from such sufferings. Nor should they be embarrassed by them, nor blame others, when they strike.
Losing ones job can be difficult, but losing ones social status, can be devastating. Especially when there are others among you, that will ostracize or snub you because of the perceived weakness in you.
People can be cruel, and certainly those whose life swings with the circumstances of life, can be extremely shallow and cruel.
But there is one, and only one within this universe, who will not betray you nor stand apart from you when you life turns south. That is Jesus Christ.
God does not turn his back on the positive believer. Whether your life is awash in prosperity or smothering in disaster, makes no difference. The content of your soul, not your pocketbook, is what matters to God. After all, it is God who fills or drains your pocketbook anyway.
When the suffering of others stands before your life, you should be humble and kind as much as possible. One day, you may well be suffering in similar of worse conditions.
We have all seen people who happen to be under dire straits in life. Sometimes we see them on the television, we see them in other countries, we see them standing on street exit ramps. Suffering is not new and will never go away.
Pretending that they do not exist, will not make them go away. But acknowledging their existence, even if only to preserve your own humility, is far better than the arrogant alternative.
Charity is mandated by God. Charity comes from the heart. If one is not charitable, nor supportive of truth, then how can one expect help from God for themselves?
In this world, everyone needs help in one way or another. In the spiritual life, we all need help from God. Should He treat us, as we have treated others? Should He support us, as we have supported others? Should He be as loyal to us as we have been loyal to Him?
Can you expect more than you are willing to give of yourself?
