The greatest theological error among men is that of “works salvation.”  Works salvation is the idea that my relationship with God and His blessings can be obtained by my good deeds and right living.  This error permeates every major religion and philosophical system. 

One of the hardest persons to encourage and lead to God is someone who has sunk into a place of self-pity or self-loathing.  A person filled with self-pity is really in an argument with God.  “I know Lord you said you will provide for my needs, but why have you allowed me to have money problems. 

After Job lost all of his wealth, children and physical health, we read in Job 2:13 that three of his friends came and “sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.”    Here these friends at first appear to have the right response to a friend deeply afflicted.  Of course as the book of Job unfolds, these same friends would not refrain from offering their advice, counsel and correction, giving into the same temptation we all often face.