McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Ge 40, Mk 10, Job 6, Ro 10
He who withholds kindness from a friend
forsakes the fear of the Almighty. (Job 6:14)
I have too often seen people decide to quit involvements and throw generalized reasons, vaguely referring to sinful issues as they go. Others have just left because they feel that saying something wouldn’t change anything. This is part of what Job’s friends did to him. This is what elicits the above response from Job. Are we really ready to forsake the fear of the Lord out of our fear to face an uncomfortable situation?
The message from Apostle Peter comes to mind and the security and fear in knowing that God will judge all believers for the service we did in Christ’s name: (1Peter2: 7-12)7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not belive, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
To follow up on my comment earlier, I believe kind and encouraging words are part of our service to the body and give Glory and Honor to God. We never know who, other than God is watching us and how our words and actions can become a stumbling block for others. Peace!