As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NIV
If you’ve ever watched a blacksmith at work, you’ve seen this principle in action. For example, if they’re shoeing a horse, they take a stock shoe close to the size and heat it to become pliable. Then, using the hammer and anvil, shape it to the horse’s hoof. The same idea is used in sharpening a sword or ax. Objects made of the same substance can sharpen the edge of the blade—metal sharpening metal.
This verse highlights the importance of relationships and mutual support among believers. In practical terms, having friends or mentors who challenge us, provide honest feedback, and encourage us to pursue our faith can help us become better individuals. They help to mold our thoughts, beliefs, and values.
That is why we must surround ourselves with the right kind of friends. The Apostle Paul gives this admonishment in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
At times, we may need to be sharpened, shaped, and, yes, sometimes rebuked. Yet, at other times, we need to absorb the warmth of agape love from other believers, making us pliable.
Here are some practical ways to “sharpen” one another:
Accountability Partners: Find someone to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey. Regularly check in with each other about your goals, struggles, and progress.
Bible Study Groups: Join or start a small group to study scripture together. Discussing and interpreting the Bible with others can provide new insights and deepen your understanding. I invite you to join our Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Bible study by Zoom when it begins again in September.
Prayer Partners: Pray together regularly. Sharing prayer requests and praying for each other can strengthen your faith and provide mutual support. If you have prayer requests, you can submit them on our church website or email them to pastortim711@gmail.com.
Mentorship: Seek out a mentor or become one. Mentors can offer guidance, wisdom, and encouragement based on their experiences.
Constructive Feedback: Be open to giving and receiving honest, loving feedback. This can help you identify areas for growth and improvement.
Serving Together: Engage in community service or church activities together. Working side by side can strengthen bonds and provide opportunities to support each other. If you live in the Brockton area, volunteer opportunities are available at L Street Mission each Saturday. Contact me for details.
Encouragement: Regularly encourage and uplift each other with kind words, scripture, and acts of kindness. A positive word at the right time can make a big difference.
Learning Together: Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences together. Learning new things and discussing them can stimulate growth and new perspectives.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of community and the relationships that help us grow in our faith. Just as iron sharpens iron, we ask that You bring people into our lives who will challenge us, encourage us, and help us become more like Christ.
Guide us to be accountable to one another, gracefully offer and receive constructive feedback, and support each other in love. May we always seek to uplift and inspire each other, drawing closer to You in the process.
Help us to be open to Your shaping and refining and embrace the warmth of Your love through our interactions with fellow believers. Strengthen our bonds and use us to provoke one another to love and good deeds as we eagerly await the day of Your return.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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