“17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. ”
The verse for today suggests that, just as two pieces of iron can be used to sharpen each other and make both more effective tools, so too can people sharpen one another through conversation, collaboration, and constructive criticism.
We are not sharpened by thoughtless, careless, or unintentional relationships, but we are sharpened by those who lovingly help chip away the excess junk who can recognize and visualize the masterpiece God wants us to become.
We can be sharpened by mentors, pastors, spouses, teachers, and friends. But most importantly we can also be sharpened by the Holy Spirit.
When we surrender to God's refining work inside of us, we can help others see the work of art in themselves. So today, allow God to sharpen you.
What this means for you
Sharpening is not always comfortable. When iron sharpens iron there is friction and there are sparks. In the same way, the people who help us grow will sometimes tell us things we do not want to hear. A true friend loves you enough to be honest with you.
Proverbs 27:6 says wounds from a friend can be trusted. Do you have people like that in your life? People who will pray with you, ask you hard questions and tell you the truth in love? If not, ask God for them. A Life Group is a great place to start.
And be that friend for someone else. Do not just tell people what they want to hear. Speak the truth with kindness. Encourage them when they do well. Pray with them when they fall. That is how the church grows together into what God wants us to be.
Think about it
Who sharpens you, and who do you sharpen?
How do you usually respond when someone corrects you?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the power of Your Word. It reveals to us so many places in our lives that still need to be brought closer to You. Lord send people into our lives who will walk with us and sharpen us, as iron sharpens iron. Guide our tongue, so we speak with loving truth and intention to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Keep going
More on Identity and Freedom in Teaching & Resources.
Go deeper with the Freedom in Christ course.
Plan a visit and join us on a Sunday in Wythenshawe.
