August 20
Do you have any of those friendships that sharpen you? Not the comfortable ones that feel good, but the ones that tell you things you don't want to hear, with your good in mind? We need more of those.
Three Thoughts
When it talks about iron sharpening iron, it isn't a comfortable thing usually. There's friction and sparks and heat. But it's those type of relationships that refine us to be more like Jesus. Find a few people who love you enough to make you better.
PROVERBS 27:17
Everyone goes through painful experiences eventually in their life. The only question is whether anyone's close enough to help you when it happens. Two really are better than one. Build the friendships you need before you need them.
ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10
A real friend will risk their entire relationship with you just to tell you the truth. It's way easier to be flattering, and it even feels better in the moment, but it leaves you right where you are. So if someone's honesty has stung lately, hold onto them, that might be the most loving thing someone has done in a while.
PROVERBS 27:6
Two Quotes
Teacher and author Jen Wilkin on loving others:
“Christians will be known by our love, not our knowledge.”
Author Thomas à Kempis on impacting others:
“Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be.”
Prayer
Dear God, a lot of the time I care more about being liked than I do about being changed. Would you give me some friends who tell me the truth, and give me humility to actually receive it? And help me to be that same kind of friend for others. In Jesus' name, amen.
Question
When was the last time you let someone tell you something about yourself that you didn't want to hear?
P.S. I wrapped up the next round of edits for "How to Be a Christian" this week! Which means we're on the FIFTH draft so far, and have 3-4 drafts to go before we are ready for printing. I'm so grateful for my editor on this book - he's really pushing and squeezing and sharpening my writing!