Don’t Be Job’s FriendsHow to comfort someone who’s hurting

Job’s friends got it right for seven days: they sat with him in silence. Then they opened their mouths. Most of us want to help, but we panic and reach for a cliché. Eight real situations. Pick what you’d say, and learn what actually helps.

Phrases to retire
  • “Everything happens for a reason.”Try: “I’m so sorry. This is so hard.”
  • “God needed another angel.”People don’t become angels, and it makes God sound cruel.
  • “At least…”Anything after “at least” shrinks their pain.
  • “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”1 Corinthians 10:13 is about temptation, not suffering. Some things are more than we can handle alone; that’s why we need each other.
  • “I know exactly how you feel.”Try: “I can’t imagine. I’m here.”

Built on Job 2:11–13, Romans 12:15 and Galatians 6:2.
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Some quotations are shortened; read the full passage.