In Job 5 and 6 Eliphaz continues his speech to Job. He encourages Job to confess his wrong to God. Clearly he is being punished for his sins. If he repents then God will be merciful and will save him from all of this trouble.

Job answers Eliphaz with a reproach. He is offended that Eliphaz would jump to the conclusion that Job has done something wrong and is now being punished for his sins. He challenges Eliphaz to find that wrong thing that he has done.

Sometimes we go through bad times for reasons that are beyond our control or cause. Don’t assume that because you are suffering, it is because you are being punished for a wrong. It is important to search your heart to see if what is happening is the result of a bad decision, but if you know you are innocent then you can remain confident even if others want you to look for your sin. God may be trying to strengthen your conviction to prepare you for the future. God may be testing your resolve and integrity. You may just be caught up in a natural or human made disaster that has nothing to do with your faith or with your relationship with God. Keep the faith.

In Luke 15 Jesus is criticized for spending time with sinners. He responds with several parables that speak about the fact that God searches out those who are lost so that they may be saved. He loves the sinner and desires to make things right with them. He openly accepts the sinner and offers forgiveness even before repentance is accomplished. His desire is to be reconciled with those who have strayed and He will do anything to show them His love and acceptance so they can respond in humility and repentance.