WHAT IT MEANS TO SHARPEN ANOTHER

---

Read Proverbs 27:15-27

Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." 

 This is so very practical and at the same time powerful.  We have all used tools that needed to be sharpened.  And when sharpened you think, 'Wow!  Why didn't I do that earlier?'  You see, a tool is designed to function in a certain way, and it always works best when cared for.  If your knife is dull, sharpen it!  If your scissors are dull, sharpen them!  If your lawnmower blades are dull, sharpen them!  The result will always be an improvement.

Now just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen one another.  "...so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."  We meet many people along the road of life, but only a select few actually impact us and make us better.  I met such a friend when I was in the military in Wurzburg, Germany.  His name is Jim McBroom.  God used him mightily to impact my life.  He sharpened this preacher, and as I sit here thinking about him, my countenance has changed.  I have a grin on my face because good things and good memories come to my mind.  I hope we will sharpen each other as time continues to march forward.  Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What do you bring into your relationships that improve others?

2.  What might you do to become a sharper friend?  Answer within the context of the verse.

3.  Do you have a friend or friends that have sharpened you?  If so, communicate your gratitude to them for the way they have impacted your life.

4.  Seek out others to whom you might become a blessing.  How might you sharpen them?