Proverbs 27:27 - As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
HOW DOES IRON SHARPEN IRON?
In ancient times, most iron items were not pure. They usually contained other metals like nickel, copper, or carbon. This means that in the time that this verse was written, the iron items would vary in strength depending on which metal was in it.
Sharpening is defined as the process of creating or refining a sharp edge to the appropriate shape for cutting. This is done by grinding the item using another metallic item. After that, the surface is polished to smooth it out. In this way, both blades or tools became more effective.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
God wants us to serve our fellow believers and build relationships with each other. God tells us in Genesis that it is not good for man to be alone. God intended for us to live in communion with Him and with each other. This means that we must “sharpen” our fellow believers. God desires that we strengthen, encourage, and support each other.
Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another….
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to import to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
HOW CAN WE SHARPEN ONE ANOTHER?
[1] Be Spiritually Mature
You cannot “sharpen” a fellow believer if you are not a good influence. And you cannot be sharpened by someone if they are not a good influence.
You want to be sharpened by someone who is growing in their faith, has a close relationship with God, as well as meditates and follows the Word of God in all aspects of their lives. These are the kinds of people that you should want sharpening you.
[2] Be Grounded in Scripture
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ can sharpen one by studying and meditating on the Word of God
Acts 17:11 - These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
By drawing closer to the Word of God, God will show us His will and correct our misdeeds.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
[3] Honest and Open Communication
Be open and honest in your conversations with your fellow believers. If something needs to be addressed, then do so. Don’t beat around the bush to spare someone’s feelings. We all desire that our fellow believers improve and receive rewards.
Show accountability in your life as well as the life of your fellow believers
Correct fellow believers in private, so that you don’t shame them before others
Encourage them in public for their positive points, but don’t forget the correction piece.
[4] Encouragement and constructive criticism
Some of our bad habits, negative thoughts, and sins can be removed from our lives through the encouragement and constructive criticism of a fellow believer
Proverbs 27:5,6 - Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
When we encourage and hold one another accountable for our actions, it allows us to grow stronger in our faith
We will be able to defend the faith better and withstand direct attacks from Satan
In order to cause a transformation in someone’s life, you may have to use hard words. Too much flattery can just make them feel good, without prompting them to take action. At the same time, we should temper our words with love.
