Just when one thought that Job was all about persevering through trial, the story continues. After Job has suffered the noted losses and endured the terrible counsels of his supposed friends, Job repents of his own stupidity. But God is not done. Here is what he says to the three friends - Job 42:7-9:
"7 The Lord said to Eliphaz:
What my servant Job has said about me is true, but I am angry at you and your two friends for not telling the truth. 8 So I want you to go over to Job and offer seven bulls and seven goats on an altar as a sacrifice to please me. After this, Job will pray, and I will agree not to punish you for your foolishness.
9 Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar obeyed the Lord, and he answered Job’s prayer." (CEV)
After suffering all he did, Job was required by God to pray for his friends who had "...not spoken of God what is right, as my servant Job has". (v. 8c) Otherwise God would "deal with [them] according to their folly." (v. 8b) (NIV)
Job was a true friend - and an obedient servant of God.
How do we show we are obedient? How do we show we are a true friend to others - and thereby attract them to God or encourage them in the faith?