When responding to disasters and suffering, we often desperately defend God’s sovereignty. We feel compelled to explain why God allows suffering to happen. The final conclusion is that God is the most just being, so it is impossible for Him to bring suffering and disaster if humans are innocent. We want to provide an answer, as if God needs to be cleared of the accusations of those who suffer. However, in the book of Job, we learn something surprising: God does not need to be defended, but rather we are the ones who need to learn and accept the difficult things. Job’s friends try to defend God by saying that Job’s suffering must be the result of his sin. But that is precisely why they are wrong. They force doctrine above reality, and hurt the feelings of their friends.

In this passage, Job is not only speaking to his friends, but he seems to be speaking to everyone who wants to defend and uphold God’s justice. He cannot be guilty and if there is suffering, it is all because of human actions. Job is saying that we cannot truly understand the Most High God. God is the Judge of all that is high, including the heavenly angels. So, do we think we can defend or direct God? Job shows that the reality of life is not always in line with the dogmas that humans have conveyed so far. The wicked can live long, happy lives, and die in honor. While the righteous can suffer their whole lives and die in loneliness. This is where the doctrine of Job's friends collapses. Those who want to defend God's 'good name' actually make a mistake by blaming Job as the victim. They speak, not to comfort or help Job, but to prove that their understanding is correct. Job calls their words "vain" (verse 34). Why? Because truth without love is emptiness, and theology without empathy is hurt.

Bible friends, we are called to reflect His love in our lives. God is a sovereign and all-knowing God. But we do not need to make defenses in the name of God's justice. Human understanding will never be able to reach all of His wisdom. Our job is to live faithfully and present His love through words and actions. When you see others suffering, learn to be present with empathy, not judgment.