I've heard of the iron sharpens iron concept my whole life and I believe it's true. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". God uses you and me to influence one another. When I think back over my life I recognize the many ways friends & loved ones have inspired me to be a better me. Their investment, whether they meant it or not left an impression on me and I hope it benefits the ones God places in my life.
My small group ladies are doing a great job of sharpening me for God's use. Each Wednesday that we meet, I leave filled with a new energy to love and care for the people in my path. I feel encouraged and I see life just a little bit clearer thanks to friends who openly share their own struggles & victories. I'm so thankful for their willingness to be real and for the way they lovingly carry me when I have no strength or courage to do it for myself. That's some iron sharpening iron right there y'all.
My challenge to you is to be aware of your own influence on others. Each encounter holds potential to bless. Are you ready? Are you willing? God wants to use you…
How can you sharpen others?
1 — Be real.
2 — Be pure of heart.
3 — Be willing to stretch yourself.
4 — Be ready to listen.
5 — Be like Christ.
Lord,
I'm willing to be used by you to sharpen others. Help me be worthy and remove anything in me that doesn't belong. Thank you for the ones in my life that make me more like you. I won't let their influence be a waste.
Amen