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Episode 118 - Relationships
What kind of relationships to you have?
So this week we're talking about relationships, whether it be with friends, family, co-workers, whatever it may be. What kind of relationships do you have with people you know?
From Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
This verse from Proverbs produces such strong mental imagery. One can almost see the blacksmith's hammer poised momentarily above his head before it descends with a resounding clang on the glinting broad side of a dull sword. Or perhaps the scene shifts to the midst of a heated battle where men's fates are sealed as swords collide. Whether you side more with the vision of the blacksmith or the soldier, there is a seemingly violent and almost destructive nature to this process of iron sharpening iron. What an interesting picture the author of Proverbs chose to represent friendship.
Now the question is, do you have iron in your life? That person who either attacks or defends in any given situation. Or maybe they just constantly bang against you, flattening you more and more with each blow. While we may prefer to be with people who are easy going and always agree with us, it is these seemingly more conscientious relationships that sharpen our character. As we parry with them back and forth, our arguments are honest and convictions solidified. If nothing else, they give us so many opportunities to practice patience, forgiveness, and grace. And let us not forget that we give others those same opportunities as we are the iron in their lives as well.
Relationships are not easy, they are difficult. But as Proverbs says, iron sharpens iron. You may have someone that is helping to sharpen you, but are you helping to sharpen them? Let me finish out with a prayer for us. God, help me to love the people you have placed in my life, even if it is uncomfortable. I am willing to endure the hard work of developing my character while helping others do the same. Help me to be the person you want me to be. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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By William RogersWhat kind of relationships to you have?
So this week we're talking about relationships, whether it be with friends, family, co-workers, whatever it may be. What kind of relationships do you have with people you know?
From Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
This verse from Proverbs produces such strong mental imagery. One can almost see the blacksmith's hammer poised momentarily above his head before it descends with a resounding clang on the glinting broad side of a dull sword. Or perhaps the scene shifts to the midst of a heated battle where men's fates are sealed as swords collide. Whether you side more with the vision of the blacksmith or the soldier, there is a seemingly violent and almost destructive nature to this process of iron sharpening iron. What an interesting picture the author of Proverbs chose to represent friendship.
Now the question is, do you have iron in your life? That person who either attacks or defends in any given situation. Or maybe they just constantly bang against you, flattening you more and more with each blow. While we may prefer to be with people who are easy going and always agree with us, it is these seemingly more conscientious relationships that sharpen our character. As we parry with them back and forth, our arguments are honest and convictions solidified. If nothing else, they give us so many opportunities to practice patience, forgiveness, and grace. And let us not forget that we give others those same opportunities as we are the iron in their lives as well.
Relationships are not easy, they are difficult. But as Proverbs says, iron sharpens iron. You may have someone that is helping to sharpen you, but are you helping to sharpen them? Let me finish out with a prayer for us. God, help me to love the people you have placed in my life, even if it is uncomfortable. I am willing to endure the hard work of developing my character while helping others do the same. Help me to be the person you want me to be. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.