As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another. 
Proverbs 27:17

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My parents walked through the front door after my youngest sister’s birth without her—don’t worry; she had to stay in the hospital for a while for observation. My dad, maybe attempting to cheer my mom, exclaimed, “Lorrie, look at Julie! She’s already reading.” My middle sister was turning the pages of a Sears catalog, looking at the pictures. I heard in my dad’s voice, “Look at Julie, Nancy, she’s sooo smart!” And guess what? She was smart. 

In high school, I became really good at one thing—and it was not my intelligence. I loved to make people laugh because of my crazy antics and my knack for saying the wrong things at the wrong time, especially in school. You could say I was loved for my weirdness, and I wanted to be loved.

It was so many years before I trusted Christian friends, or even that God loved me for who I am. I cringed when another Christ-follower would give spiritual correction, even when given in love. 

But God wrote these words in the Bible for a very practical reason—Iron does sharpen iron. Christians do help other Christians grow closer in their walk with Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t expect that we go through life alone. I’m incredibly grateful for my girlfriends in Christ, who sometimes have to be wise sages because I often struggle to see through the rain, fire, earthquakes, and tornadoes in my life. We pray with one another, read Scripture together, and help each other to understand God’s truth more fully. 

Proverbs is a book that offers biblical advice. There is a benefit to rubbing two iron blades together, like when knives are dull. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is a double-edged sword. We sharpen each other for mutual benefits, and yes, sometimes it’s extremely painful. 

A few weeks ago, a trusted friend said, “You know what, Nancy? You need therapy.”  

It’s a little foggy, but I think I responded something like, “No, no, I don’t.” 

Many weeks have passed, and I have spent time mulling over my words back to her that day. Today, I will pick up my phone and call a recommended Christian therapist because I need another iron in my life.

I thank God for those sharpening moments—He is our ultimate ironworker!

Next Steps

I hope that you desire to grow in community with others. Ask yourself these questions: Is Jesus your friend and Lord of your life? How are you with asking trusted friends for Biblical advice? Are you open to correction when correction is needed? Consider your answer as you listen to What a Friend.