Sharpening Souls Together

03/21/2025

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17 NIV

There is a beautiful weight to this simple verse. You will find that it is more than a metaphor; it is a call to intentional relationship, godly accountability, and mutual growth. Imagine the sound of two blades striking one another. Sparks may fly. It may not be comfortable. But the outcome is unmistakable: both are made sharper.

In ancient times, blacksmiths would painstakingly sharpen tools by grinding one piece of iron against another. This process took time, precision, and pressure. The same is true in our spiritual lives. God never intended us to walk this journey alone. He designed us to be in community, relationships that challenge, stretch, and strengthen us.

We often gravitate toward people who affirm us, who think like us, who never confront or correct us. But spiritual sharpening doesn’t happen in echo chambers. It happens in friendships that are honest enough to speak truth, even when it’s hard. It happens in small groups where people pray together, confess together, study God’s Word together. It happens when we invite feedback, ask hard questions, and welcome people into the messy, unpolished areas of our lives.

And here’s the grace in it: sharpening isn’t just about making us “better Christians.” It’s about forming us into the image of Christ. It’s about removing the dull edges of selfishness, impatience, and pride. It’s about cultivating lives that are effective for the Kingdom, lives that cut through the noise of the world and point others to Jesus.

Who sharpens you? Who do you allow close enough to see the real you, and speak into your life? And who are you sharpening? God may be calling you to walk alongside someone, not as their fixer or judge, but as a faithful brother or sister in Christ who helps them become all that God created them to be.

Think through these questions today and start to sharpen those around you.

Can you name someone who has helped “sharpen” your faith? What did that look like?

Is there someone in your life right now who may need your encouragement, correction, or presence?

What dull edges in your spiritual life might God be wanting to refine through community?

Today, reach out to one person who has sharpened your life spiritually and thank them, encourage them, and let them know their influence matters. Then, prayerfully ask God to show you one person you can invest in. Set up a coffee, send a message, or begin a conversation. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, just be willing to be iron in someone else’s life.

Let sharpening begin.

Lord, thank You for the gift of godly friendships and community. Help me not to shy away from the refining process, even when it’s uncomfortable. Bring people into my life who will sharpen me, and give me the courage to be that kind of friend to others. Let our relationships be filled with grace and truth, always pointing one another toward You. Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign

1 Comment


Deb - March 21st, 2025 at 7:54am

Amen

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