Iron Sharpens Iron

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17

I’ve been a Christian since I was six years old. I accepted Christ in the family room of my childhood home. My father was ironing his clothes, and I told him I wanted to go to Heaven. He had me recite the ABCs of Salvation:

A – Admit that you are a sinner
B – Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again
C – Commit your life to following Him

From that day forward, I was a part of the salvation squad. What I didn’t know then was that I’d live a life of constant friendship balancing.

Friends, by definition, are people you know and share a bond of mutual affection with. I’ve always had friends. But I haven’t always valued true friendship. See, I used to enjoy being surrounded by yes-men. I didn’t like being held accountable or called out when I did wrong. In fact, I hated it.

But through growth and maturity, I’ve learned there is real beauty in community. I’ve realized that true friends aren’t out to get me—they’re out to help me.

Have you ever had a friendship breakup? They hurt so bad, dawg. And they hurt even more when the severing is purely out of obedience to the Lord. Swallowing that pill is still tough for me. It’s hard to accept that not everyone in my life is meant to stay forever—whether due to physical death or relational death.

Here’s some wisdom I can offer when it comes to godly friendships:

Keep God as the foundation of the friendship.
In times of conflict, you’ll always have the Solid Rock to return to.

Verbally grant permission to hold one another accountable.
Accountability is better received when it’s invited (though it doesn’t make it hurt any less).

Extend grace—and then extend some more.
We’re imperfect beings serving a perfect God. Don’t expect God-like perfection from your friends. Extend the same grace you’d want extended to you.

Friends are a blessing, and we are designed to experience friendship in this lifetime. Don’t let past hurt or trauma keep you from leaning into community. Pray for God to send your tribe—at the right time, when you’re ready to steward those relationships well.

To my friends, I love y’allllllll. I truly thank God for each and every one of you!

Talk Soon,
Mya Jurnae