Relationship
«To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty» (Job 6: 1 4).
In the rainforests of Africa lives an ape called bonobo or pygmy chimpanzee. Unlike the common chimpanzees, bonobos have black faces, small ears and long legs. They frequently walk in the upright position and have a matriarchal and egalitarian culture. These peculiar characteristics made it a distinct species since 1929. The strangest behavior of this group is their good habit of comforting other apes who are sad. In fact, when a bonobo notices that another ape is sad, he tries to console him with loving hugs and a mix of caresses and grooming. Furthermore, scientists noticed that such behaviors are effective, since the depressed ape showed a decrease in actions such as compulsive scratching and grooming, which indicate stress.
In these examples, we can see the mark God put in His creatures. More importantly, as human beings, we have a more complex ability than any other animal to encourage and comfort others. The Bible offers numerous messages that appeal to friendship (Prov. 17:17; 27:9; I Thess. 5:11). Today’s verse speaks of a special occasion when a true friend continues comforting his friend even when that friend has forsaken God.
In his poetry, Job describes his friends’ hostility toward him: they are «like the streams of the brooks that pass away, which are dark because of the ice, and into which the snow vanishes. When it is warm, they cease to flow; when it is hot, they vanish from their lace» (Job 6: 15-17). He also says that his friends are afraid of helping him (v. 21! They are present only when it is convenient.
This is what happens—even within religious communities—when members turn away from God. They are blamed, rejected, and certainly not comforted. Maybe the faithful are afraid of becoming «contaminated» by the sinners’ presence or of having to answer the queries the deserters max have. Maybe they are afraid that God will abandon them for being on «dangerous ground. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus welcomed sinners and had lunch with them. Jesus Himself invited Levi Matthew, a despised publican.
Today, try to offer your comfort to anyone who needs it. It doesn’t matter if this person is righteous or a sinner, or if they share the same ideas as you. Respond to God’s invitation to support your neighbor. You will find friendship and satisfaction in doing what God asks of you.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
