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

 

It takes iron to sharpen the blade of an ax, hoe, or other iron tools. This Proverb talks of sharpening the countenance of a friend. To do this takes courage, strength, strong moralit,y and the Truth. The source of all this is found in the Holy Word of God.

 

We all affect other people; some for the good and some not so good. When we approach a friend with the courage, strength, strong morals and the Truth we read of in God’s Word, we will affect them in a positive way and thus, sharpen their countenance.

 

In my opinion, this is the true essence of Ministry. It is not “judging” people, as some may say. Rather, it is shedding Light on a subject or situation that is a detriment to their spiritual well being, which will affect their natural life.

 

The Word of God, properly taught, will bring conviction to the hearts of people. Oftentimes, it takes great courage to approach a friend with the Truth of God’s Word, but this is what a true friend does. To sit back and watch a friend go down the wrong path and destroy their life while doing nothing is not being a friend.

 

The enemy will tell you to mind your own business and let them find out for themselves. This is not what friends do. Friends help each other, and sometimes it takes the courage and strength of iron to reach them.

 

In Ministry, we bring the Teaching the Holy Spirit leads us to bring. Spirit led ministers will preach or teach the Message given to them by God, not that of their own mind. The Holy Spirit knows the hearts of those in attendance. He knows what they need to hear and will impart that Message to the minister. If the minister hears the Voice and leading of the Holy Spirit and is obedient to bring that Message, people will receive the Word and be ministered to. 

 

At that point, the person is changed; their countenance has been sharpened; the yoke broken off. True ministry is to see people changed. God does not intend for people to remain the same. He is ever molding and shaping us to be the people he can use in a greater way to affect the lives of others. This is true friendship.

 

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15) Jesus calls us friends. He loves us enough to share with us everything He heard from His Father in Heaven.  We are to love our friends enough to do the same. Some friends are as hard as iron. The longer a person lives outside the Will of God, the harder they become. Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. To reach them, we must be as hard as iron as well.

 

There is a popular saying that goes like this: The truth hurts. Perhaps this Scripture is where that saying came from. The fact is, the Truth of God’s Word may hurt, but it will always sharpen our countenance and bring us closer to living a Righteous life.

 

God’s Word will……....turn the tide

 

Sharpened again,      Doreen

 

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