“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” (Proverbs 27:17 AMP)
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16 NLT)
“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.” (1 Samuel 18:1 NLT)
Everyone needs a “Jonathan and David” relationship in their life. Each of us desperately needs someone that they can have confidence in, and rely on, regardless of their current level of agreement. We all need at least one person with whom we can be transparent, open, and vulnerable.
I am blessed to have someone like that in my life. I have a brother in Christ that I can go to when I need a differing opinion to make me think about my current way of looking at things. It is wonderful to know that even in areas of great difference I am encouraged and never judged. I can trust this individual with issues of the heart, struggles, shortcomings, and areas of question without fear of reprisal or condemnation.
The concept of “iron sharpens iron” is critical in the overall growth and health of a person. This is especially true in spiritual matters. If I am never challenged to think beyond my current perspectives then I will never fully mature. If all I seek in my relationships are those who see everything the same as I do then I run the risk of becoming like the “blind leading the blind.”
I would encourage anyone reading this to seek out someone to enter into a relationship that includes a large dose of iron sharpening iron. That is why I wrote…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 361: Iron Sharpens Iron: “Jonathan and David” Relationships