Cutting Edge…
When you think of friends gathering together, what comes to mind–garden parties, lunch dates, Bible studies or maybe scrapbooking retreats? What about knife-sharpening get-togethers? No? Really?
What does sharpening knives have to do with friendship? The thought seems way out in left field…that is, until we read Proverbs 27:17.
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
At first I wondered if this proverb were suggesting that we should grind on each other’s nerves. I’ve been there and done that. Actually, I believe this verse is speaking of the kind of investments that help each person to become keener in her perceptions, sharper in her wit, and more directed in her energies.
We have to remember though when we try to tell others what they ought to do, even if we’re right, we won’t ring true to our advice if we aren’t living our own counsel. Authenticity is the cutting edge that adds relevancy to our offering.
I’ve been blessed with hundreds of women who are attempting to live theirs lives with a clear ring, and I’ve deeply benefited from their counsel. Occasionally they tell me what I don’t want to hear, but those who are walking their talk are hard to resist because I’m aware that their comments are neither frivolous nor untested. They offer us the keen truths they’ve learned, but God’s Spirit alone forges our character.
I love this. I’ve been so blessed beyond measure with friends like you describe. I try every day- with God’s help – to be the kind of friend/woman who lives with a clear ring rather than a loud clang. If that makes sense. Some days I do okay, other days notsomuch. Still, every day I wake up and try again.
Great post Patsy, thank you for the reminder.
Patsy…I have a friend like that! Pat (Pollywog Creek) and I have been dear friends for many years. She has challenged me, blessed me and sharpened me. This is a great thought for today. We need true friends who will tell us the truth in love and not cover over our sins and shortcomings. I am grateful even though it hurts at times. Isn’t it wonderful that we all have something to offer one another. God’s blessings to you Patsy…you make me smile!
This is so true, and what an encouraging reminder to thank God for our wonderful sisters in Christ who lovingly keep us on the right path! They are a blessing, especially when they are sharing words we don’t want to hear, but need to hear. That is one way they show us how much they care about us. Thanks Patsy, for posting. I always love the way you share God’s Word!
The dear friend that I could depend on to be truthful to me, passed on a few years ago and now, I have my husband to be the dear friend, his insight isn’t as good as hers, but he tries and that is a great comfort to me.
Luci…yes my dearest confidant is gone now too. Gratefully I have other wise women in my circle that I can turn to especially when my husband doesn’t get my “girl-y” way of thinking. Sometimes it takes a girl to get a girl.
Patsy, you always seem to have just the right words given to you by the Holy Spirit, I have been so richly blessed with friends like this throughout my life, starting with my own Mother and Grandmother. God has used so many wonderful women to make me a better person to serve Him though as we all know we are still works in progress and the journey continues I am confident that God will continue to keep such treasures for friends in my life so that I can continue to grow in the “Wisdom of the Lord.”
Blessings to you
In Christ Joy and Love
Trish
Currently, God is teaching me how to disciple women and I find that true discipleship is exactly what you describe above! Relationships that spiritually sharpen you both!
Thanks for this Patty. It is an easy verse to skip over and a hard verse to apply. My husband and I have been prayfully looking at our friendships and examining them. Do these people sharp us? Do we sharpen THEM?