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Iron Sharpens Iron

This week we're going to focus on what Scripture says about navigating relationships: from how to surround ourselves with the right people to handling difficult, draining family members. Today, in Ecclesiastes 4 and Proverbs 27, we discover God's plan for friendships.

Have you ever been emotionally exhausted by someone? It might have been someone you loved, like a family member or friend, but they just drained you to death? It happens to all of us. And if you're the kind of person who enjoys taking care of hurting people, you can find yourself constantly talking and dealing with others without the support of friends who can fill you back up.

The Bible says that good friendships are essential for navigating life. In this case, we need them to navigate tough relationships. Why? Because iron sharpens iron. The men and women we surround ourselves with and allow to speak truth into our lives, inevitably influence us to become like them. If we spend more time with difficult people than we do with healthy people, we might struggle to grow.

So, what kind of person do we look for? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 gives us a great start. We need to surround ourselves with people who will pick us up when we fall, who will defend us when we are attacked and will comfort us when we need it. The only way we can deal with difficult family members and friends is to form a cord that "is not easily broken."

Do you need to spend more time with people who can shape you into a godlier person? Do you need people who can fill you up when you are exhausted? Who do you have in mind and how can you start to spend more time with them?