We are introduced to Job's friends in chapter 2. When they heard of Job's misfortune, they decided to go to Job, "and sympathize with him and comfort him." We applaud their efforts. Like Job, we have friends with good intentions of helping, but sometimes they're not really helping.

On November 6, 2000, my first wife, Gwen, died. That began the loneliest period of my life. My son, Joshua, was halfway through his senior year of high school. My daughter, Kati, was 10 years old. In their efforts to comfort us, people who loved us sometimes said some not-so-sensitive or thought-through things. I explained to Kati that people are hurting for us and sometimes they don't know what to say and we will become the comforter to those who are trying to comfort us.

Maybe you are going through a difficult time right now and some of your friends are trying to lend you support and maybe they're not doing so great. Try and take comfort in knowing that they love you and hurt for you.

God, thank you for my friends who are hurting for me and trying to help me. Even if they're not doing too well, thank you for their love. Amen.

Steve Spearing, Hampstead, N.C.