The Bible is clear that we need each other, not only for help and encouragement, but also to provoke one another to grow. Joshua had Moses. Timothy had Paul. Jesus did many things, of course, but core to his mission was the time he spent discipling twelve other men. We need each other to grow into the people God intends us to be. Iron sharpens iron.
How specifically do we help one another grow?
We give encouragement. The formula is grace plus truth equals growth. The actual recipe calls for more grace than truth. We don’t need someone in our face so much as we need someone to walk alongside us.
At times we do need to speak the truth to one another. Every person needs someone who will ask them the hard questions. Every person needs someone who will tell them the way things are, not just what they want to hear.
We pray for them. No doubt you have a list of people you pray for: families, friends, neighbors, maybe even enemies. Pray for blessing and healing for them, but also pray that they would grow in faith.
Lastly, we wait. The Holy Spirit works when the Holy Spirit works. Growth comes when it comes. Don’t demand instant results, and don’t give up on people.
In our sermon this Sunday, we will discuss the profound proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”