Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
If you go to Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, and watch the black smith demonstrating his craft, it is always iron with iron, not wood or any other kind of material. It is only effective as he strikes the iron with an iron instrument in hand, they can not merely rest idly near each other.
In life, it is the friends we have who have spoken up and told us the truth we needed to hear that enriches our lives. It is not the friend that is too afraid to speak up. We become better people when we speak up and, in love, say what would be truly helpful to hear.
In this time of history, it seems much more popular to choose silence rather than speak up. The fear to offend has gripped many and leaves us to choose silence. This does not help us.
It is true that not all truth needs to be spoken as it is not always helpful. There is wisdom that must be applied. There is also a timing to consider. A hard word can be better accepted and heard if it’s shared in a timely manner, where things are perhaps less chaotic or stressful.
In my experience, when there has been truth that must be spoken, I do pray about it. Sometimes that truth is not supposed to come from me (especially if it has to do with one of my adult children). Sometimes the Lord has asked me to instead leave it with Him, which if I am being honest, is not the answer I was looking for.
If I know that there is something that I do need to say, I will ask God to show me when is the best time to speak it. I ask Him for an opportunity and then take it becomes available.
As I look back at conversations over the years, the friends that have inspired me are those who have been willing to take the risk to speak up and ask the questions like: “have you ever considered...?” or “ as I have been listening, can I tell you honestly what I observe?” It is friends who have spoken up in my life that have pushed me forward. They are that iron in my life.
Who are your “iron friends"? I hope that we can be that person to someone in our life. May God use us to enrich those who are nearest to us.
Dear Father,
Thank you for the friends You have used in my life that are like iron to me. I am better today because of them, and I am grateful. I ask that You give me wisdom and courage to be that kind of friend back. Fill me with the sensitivity that comes from You Holy Spirit.
In Jesus Name,
Amen