True Brothers

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

I can probably count on one hand the number of Christian brothers I’ve had who have sharpened me like iron. This kind of sharpening is a painful process, but is necessary in going deeper with Christ.

Being sharpened by iron means humbly receiving open rebuke. When I’m wrong, I need someone who loves me enough to come and tell me (27:5).

Sharpening a man can also mean giving him timely, much-needed counsel from God. Brothers in Christ speak the truth of God to each other, giving encouragement and direction in the midst of weariness and, often, in the fog of spiritual warfare (27:9).

God, please bless us with true brothers and sisters who will sharpen us as useful instruments in Your hand, and give us grace, also, to be that kind of brother/sister in our communities of faith.