“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
A body that is deficient in iron will cause one to become physically weak. Likewise, a friendship that is iron deficient, where no one is being sharpened, will also become weak. People may fear to upset you or hurt your feelings, but a real friend that truly loves you would much rather make you upset and please God instead of appeasing you.
Accountability is not bossing people around and telling your friend what to do with her life. It is encouraging her to do what God has already instructed her to do in His Word. You are not only helping each other stay out of sin, but helping one another move forward into being all that God created you to be.
You will never grow on an island isolated away from people. Nor will you grow if you surround ourselves only with those that tell you what you want to hear. You need people that get up under your skin and irritate you, and those who encourage you to grow and mature. Not “yes” people, but a friend who feels personally responsible for helping you reach your full potential and fulfill God’s plan and purpose for your life.
Sharpen your friends, and let them sharpen you. There will be sparks, but you will be a better person and your friendship will be stronger.
Prayer: Father God, I need more iron in my life. I pray that you send true friends that will not appease me but will sharpen me and help me be all that you called me to be. Help me also to be iron for others, someone who knows how to hold people accountable without fear, but from a place of love and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Read Hebrews 10:24)
