Takeaways from the book of Job: Job 2:11,13

1. We cannot understand everything about life.
2. We must be careful not to make quick assumptions when we suffer.
3. Patience, perseverance and trust our needed to deal with life’s difficult times.
4. We must be very careful and wise when we attempt to help others.

Principles for helping:
1. Prayerfully seek to have an attitude of relying on God’s wisdom and leadings. James 1:5
2. Listen patiently - Proverbs 18:13 A fool speaks before he has heard all (RTV).
3. Listen intently for feelings, behaviors and thoughts. Proverbs 20:5
4. Be empathetic.
5. Accept the person for who and where they are in life, be careful not to judge. Matthew 7:1,2
6. Be humble. 1 Chronicles 28:9
7. Integrate prayer into your relationship.
8. Remember that all behavior is purposeful. Proverbs 20:5
9. Remain confidential. Proverbs 11:13
10. Help the person make their own decisions.
11. Know your limits.
12. Be sure your motive is love. 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Assignment: "Pick one of the 12 principles that you'd like to focus on or develop. Think about someone in your life that's facing a challenge, heartache, pain, etc. of some sort, and how you might be able to support them in a loving manner."