As the year begins, many Christians are looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect with God and commit to spending more time strengthening their faith. If this describes you, then Proverbs has some wisdom to share.
“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” —Proverbs 27:17
Now we have advanced ways of sharpening cutting objects, but in ancient times, one of the main ways of sharpening knives and things was to rub the blades together. As the blades rubbed together, they both became sharper.
This verse from Proverbs isn’t really about sharpening tools—it’s about sharpening and strengthening our relationship with God through fellowship. When we share our relationship and what we’re learning from God with other Christians, it strengthens everyone involved. Here are some ways to do this.
- Join or start a Christian club on your school’s campus.
- Grab a friend or two and start a regular devotional Bible study.
- Grab a group of friends and volunteer with a charity or ministry.
- Serve in a ministry at your church and get to know the other people serving in that ministry.
- Share your story with a friend or someone who’s struggling with something God has helped you through.
Girls, there are so many ways that we can encourage our sisters and brothers in the faith. We can build small communities to help others in their walk with the Lord. Think about it—isn’t it always better to take a journey with a good friend than to go alone?
It’s difficult to discipline ourselves to seek God daily or even weekly. It’s even harder to seek God when times get rough, but if we have friends by our side keeping us accountable and encouraging us, the journey becomes a bit easier.
I encourage you girls to find a partner or two and commit to helping each other grow and fall more in love with the Lord this year!
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” —Psalm 133:1
Girls, what are some other ways we can help sharpen each other in our relationship with the Lord?
More Stories Like This on Project Inspired:
Sunday School: 7 Fun Things to Do in 2014
Jenn’s 5 Favorite Bible Verses to Start the New Year!
Bible Study: Jenn’s 5 Favorite Bible Study Articles of 2013
I think it is SO important to have friends that you are in fellowship with and serving alongside, even if it is just in prayer. This has honestly been an anchor for me, and a major growing period being around those so much wiser than me, but they have said even watch me grow and start to bear fruit for the first time has been a blessing on their end too. We were always made to fellowship, but I think sometimes we get caught up in so many other things. That or we think sites like these are enough, but while sites like PI are great, they cannot substitute genuine in person relationships. It takes true vulnerability around people, but those you can come alongside and serve with, but also sit down and get godly counsel from, are blessings from God. We just have to also remember to not place anyone on the pedestal of our hearts outside of God.