As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend

Proverbs 27:17

In this short proverb, Solomon highlights the important truth that we become like the people we surround ourselves with regularly. Therefore, ‘Being Intentional in Your Relationships’, more specifically friendships, is very important.

Iron contains varying amounts of impurities and is of different strengths. And sharpening can be defined as creating or refining a sharp edge to an appropriate shape on a tool or implement designed for cutting. The same way iron is altered by the sharpening process, we [as believers] who interact with one another have an impact on each other. Cultivating the right friendships can bring growth & change into your life. I believe our deepest friends should be committed Christ-followers that encourage us spiritually, and whom we are actively encouraging.

Without relationships, we run the risk of remaining dull & less effective as followers of Christ. God compels us to sharpen one another. To push through the sparks that may fly as we grow & change through relationships. We must actively pursue two types of relationships in the process: ones that contribute to our spiritual walk and ones to whom we can contribute. 

Be intentional. Show up. Engage. Love. Serve. And see how God uses you.