All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

Job 42:11

For Meditation

They all deserted him during his long affliction. Then God restored Job. And they trooped in – all his brothers and sisters and everyone who knew him before. They came around to comfort and console him (Job 42:11). Where were they when Job needed them the most?

That is humans for you. When they stand to gain from you, they jump when you cough. They ask, “Did you call?” But let things turn south for a moment, and their memory fails them. They withdraw as someone draws away from a skunk.

The urge to revenge comes easy to the offended and maligned when God restores, and conditions improve. But not for Job. He was even more gracious and magnanimous with everybody who came around him. God had restored his fortunes, and nothing mattered anymore to him. His heart remained with God, and he forgave and welcomed them. What a man!

Job’s example stands out for our counsel and emulation. We may suffer offenses from people now and then. But we must choose to forgive and restore fellowship with them. It is not a simple or a moment’s task when you have the scars to show for the offenses. It renders reconciliation difficult.

Indeed, you lose trust and finds it difficult to forgive. Yes, we must be wise in handling the relationship after our pain. But we should not let that stop us from trusting again. God blesses our total forgiveness, as He has completely forgiven us. He withholds nothing from us after reconciling us to Himself. We become Christlike when we do the same. It is a great honor to Him in response to Calvary.

So, this Christmas Season, let us forgive one another in honor of the One who came to die for our forgiveness.