Every possible answer to the question in this title is secondary to the fact that we have FAITH. You need it to become a Christian, and you cannot remain faithful without it (Heb. 11:6). The confidence we have in our hope of heaven is based upon faith, and this faith is developed by feeding on the word of God (Rom. 10:17).

Here is an interesting question – what things should not be used to justify your love of being a Christian? For example, who would say they love being a Christian because of the hardships they face? Saints know that they became children of God to be able to face and endure problems that arise, not so all problems would immediately go away (Phil. 4:13). This is why we pray, worship, love, forgive, weep and rejoice. Our faith is to be living (I Pet. 1:3). This means our faith should be active because a faith without demonstration is a dead faith (James 2:26).

Those who walk by faith have a firm foundation. Because their foundation is sure and steadfast, they find a peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:4-7). This enables one to resist the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph. 6:16). Victory is the only way we will get to spend eternity with all the faithful at the end of time. This brings up an important point – Christians are not alone! Christians find joy in striving with others to walk by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5:7).

Now we understand completely why God’s people are eager to assemble for Bible study whenever the opportunity arises. Because faith is the key to true joy for the Christian, having their faith increased magnifies all the things that they love about being part of God’s family. Those who lack faith find it very difficult to come up with good reasons why they love being a Christian. Weakening a Christian’s faith results in a weaker Christian. Removing their faith destroys the Christian.

Like disciples asked of Jesus, let’s all make sure we see the importance of doing everything we can to increase our faith (Luke 17:5). Our salvation depends upon it.

Chuck

When was the last time you cried? You might have lost a loved one or been hurt by someone physically or mentally. Perhaps you wept because you felt bad for something you did. You may have cried because you felt all alone. Whatever the reason, everybody cries and should not be ashamed of their tears.

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hold back His emotions when he saw others mourning the death of Lazarus. We are told that “Jesus wept,” (John 11:35). This was not a sign of weakness in Jesus – recall that Jesus would express His power shortly afterward by raising Lazarus from the dead. The fact that Jesus could raise Lazarus and yet still wept over his physical death shows that His heart was heavy.

Sometimes, life deals us things that seem impossible to deal with. Consider what Job went through. Pay particular attention to Job’s response after he lost much of possessions, his servants, his own children and his health. We are told about three friends that came to him. “And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.” (Job. 2:12-13).

All children of God can learn from Job’s example. Here are several points to consider about grief and sorrow:

It is okay to grieve

The text said that Job’s grief was great. Considering his losses, we can all agree that it was justified. Recall how the Roman brethren were admonished to weep with those that weep (Rom. 12:15). It is impossible to know who to weep with if those who hurt are not mourning. We can conclude that it is NOT wrong for Christians to reveal their sorrow. The key to this is remembering that despite all that Job went through, “in all this Job did not sin with his lips,” (2:10). Grieving is clearly acceptable, yet grieving does not give us a right to sin.

It is okay to accept sympathy

Some might feel that showing grief will draw attention to themselves. There is no question that people will notice, but this is not a bad thing. Suffering in silence might appear to be the solution when in reality it can make things harder. When Job’s friends heard about his adversity, they came to be with him. Just as it is okay for a grieving person to weep, it is acceptable for others to weep with them. Christian brothers and sisters are always ready to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).

It is okay to say nothing

Job’s friends came to be with him. Rather than immediately trying to cheer him, they sat and said absolutely nothing for seven days. If ever there is a time to be “slow to speak”, it has to be when someone is suffering (James 1:19). A dear friend of mine lost a teenage son. After that tragic event, he remarked to me, “Why do people feel like they have to say something all the time?” Folks, this speaks volumes. Never forget that your presence can mean a lot.

It is not okay to say the wrong thing

Our last point emphasized the need for quiet. This is not to say that we should never say anything to those that grieve. Job’s friends eventually spoke to him. They were pretty hard on Job though and said many things they should not have. In the end, the Lord told those three friends that what they said was not right (Job 42:7-8). We must take care to not make things worse when extending sympathies!

                                                                                                Chuck