16th April

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend..”

Proverbs 27:10

Yesterday we heard about Jesus’ perseverance to endure the cross even though He was betrayed by one of His friends and let down by three other tired disciples. Yet friendships also have so many positives too. In fact, life was meant to be lived with companionship. Even the “Early church” knew of the importance of friendships, as the Apostles often encouraged the churches to meet together in communion and fellowship.

The writer of Proverbs wisely likens the sharpening of friendship with the analogy of iron sharpening another piece of iron. When a knife is blunt, it is pretty useless. In fact the most common cause of cuts in a kitchen is from blunt knives. It is only when a knife has been sharpened that you can use it to its full potential.

Much is the same with friendships. “Blunt” friendships can often be so draining and not genuine. When your time of need comes, they are no where to be found. Yet true friendship, is when you have a friend that can challenge you, correct you, encourage you and build you to be the person God intended you to be (and visa-versa). Sharpening may not always be easy to hear and to say, yet if we are not challenging each other, then our lives can easily slip away from God’s best for us. It is because a father/mother loves their children that they discipline them. So it is with friendship. True and genuine friendship can be a great tool in showing Holiness, Integrity and Godliness to our world that needs to be set an example of what true and genuine friendship is.

Friendship is an integral part to our growth in Christ, our growth as a person and helping others grow. May the Lord continue to bless our friendships and deepen our trust in Him.