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Masterpieces in Process

There’s a verse in Proverbs that’s often quaintly quoted when referring to a close friendship or marriage…

Proverbs 27:17 KJV
Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Yes, we want to encourage each other, cheer each other on, and sharpen each other emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But when you truly think about the implications of such a description, this verse is anything but quaint. 

Iron is sharpened through heat and friction, through cutting and slicing. As it is beaten, it is reshaped into something beautiful and purposeful and even better than before.

Sharpening is purposeful, but it can also be painful. It’s intentional friction that often results in a purer, stronger, sharper character. We aren’t sharpened by thoughtless, careless, or unintentional relationships, but we are sharpened by those who lovingly help chip away the excess junk—who can recognize and visualize the masterpiece God wants us to become. 

We can be sharpened by mentors, pastors, spouses, teachers, and friends. But we can also be sharpened by the dearest friend we have—the Holy Spirit. The part of God who’s considered the third “person” of the Trinity, the One who does the refining work. The Holy Spirit is like a personal and professional metal-worker who is skilled and deliberate, focused and detailed, trustworthy and true. 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

When we surrender to God’s refining work inside of us, we can help others see the work of art in themselves. So today, allow God to sharpen you. Ask Him to reveal the parts of your life that need to be refined, and then surrender to the work He wants to do inside you.

PRAYER
God, thank You for Your Word, which reveals areas of my life that desperately need Your correction.

Send people into my life who will walk with me and sharpen me, as iron sharpens iron. Guide my tongue, so I speak with loving truth and intention to others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

SHARE YOUR FAITH
As Christians, we should always stay ready to sharpen one another with the challenge and wisdom we find in the Bible.

Who's that friend or family member God is calling you to sharpen today? And are you ready to be sharpened in your faith?