We have all heard the term “Iron Sharpens Iron,” but what does it mean and how does it apply to our lives. If you look back on your life, what has most helped you grow? I am sure you could name a few particular moments, but generally, they are along the lines of challenging times, teachings, hard work, or maybe friends. When we talk about Iron Sharpening Iron, we are talking about how our friends and family help us grow. How should this be present in your life? What does it mean to be Iron that can sharpen your friend? What does it mean to be sharpened by friends?
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”- Proverbs 27:17
Iron is a tough element. It does not bend or break easily. Fierce fire can only mold it. Only God can mold us to be more like Him. Only God can put us through enough heat to shape us. Iron, however, can be easily sharpened by another piece of iron. We to can easily be sharpened by each other. If the iron isn’t sharpened properly, it can easily be dulled. When we want to sharpen a friend and help them in their faith, we first have to be Iron, tough and strong in our faith. The first step in this process is to become iron. This is done through prayer and study. Make your relationship with Jesus your own. Don’t let your faith rely just on what others tell you. Everything you learn, double-check it with the bible. Make your faith your own.
Just as one man sharpens another, you can sharpen your friends. Encourage them in their walk with Christ. Look to the new believers and remember you were in their position not long ago. Encourage them in the same way that others encouraged you, with love and grace. Call your brothers and sisters out when they fall into sin, but remember to take a look at yourself before you call them out. Remember to approach these situations with love and kindness, directing them to the Father. We have no right to judge them, for judgment is from the Lord. We are, however, called to point out the sin in each other. If you are a follower of Christ, you have a duty to sharpen one another. You are asked to help your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with their walk. God has asked you to fulfill an important role.
Just as we sharpen others, they are here to sharpen us. We must remember this at all times. When a brother points out sin to you, you must not get mad at them. Take a look at yourself and bring it before God. Just as we point out sin to others, they are pointing it out to us in our own lives. They do this not to hurt us, but to help us. They know this sin is hindering us in our walk with Christ and they want what’s best for us. When someone calls you out on sin, it’s not to spite you, but to help you. If they are truly doing this with grace and love, there will be no judgment. Ready yourself to be sharpened. We can either get mad or take what they say and work on it.
So how should this be present in our lives? It should always be present. We should be ready to encourage and help others with their walk at all times. We must also be ready to take the sharpening when it comes our way. Do not be afraid, but ask God to give you eyes to see those who need sharpening and how to do it. Also, ask God to give you ears to hear and a heart to take it and learn from it. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we are all here to help each other with our walks. Take a step forward into the arena and sharpen your brothers and sisters with their walk and be ready to be sharpened as well. A sharp knife is more useful than a dull knife, which will you be?
