Iron Sharpening Iron
Proverbs 27:17 (TPT) It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade, and so a friendly argument can sharpen a man.
A friendly argument… does anyone remember what those are like? Before the days of social media and such open hate for our nation's leaders, there was a time when people could actually have cordial disagreements. Iron sharpening iron is what we refer to when believers lovingly guide and even correct our brothers or sisters in Christ. We build one another up, hold each other accountable, gently let them know when something they said or did may have come out harsh or insincere. Iron sharpening iron isn't when we go on Facebook and blab about the sins committed by our fellow church members or well-known leaders. So many private conversations are happening publicly, allowing room for the enemy to jump in and beat down on the one who made a mistake and now has the world jumping on their back for a single decision they likely made out of character.
I believe there isn't a single person who would willingly allow the entire world in on their thought-life, private failures, and dark past. The world will never be in agreement with someone who isn't doing what they are doing (and that changes by the day). We are to keep godly standards and stick by our morals knowing what is right and what is wrong. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside of us and we know better than to act like everyone else. We are children of the Most High God and we are set apart by Him. If someone is falling away from God, go to them in private and let them share what they will. Go without a judgmental spirit and try to think of what you would do in their situation. Pray for them at the very least and never, I mean never, break the trust they have in you. The church needs more Christians playing their part, being the hands and feet of Jesus. When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Christ, He did not yell at her, He never told her how terrible her sins were, He didn't give her a dirty look and go tell the disciples all of her secrets, rather, He looked at her with love and told her to sin no more. His love was all it took for her to receive forgiveness! Loving people where they are and sharing Truth with them will always win!
2 Timothy 3:16 (TPT) Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.
