One of the motivating factors behind my doing this blog was the impact that some of my most wonderful, endearing friendships have made in my life. Friendships with people that I like to call my Iron Friends.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Iron Friends are people in your life that bring out the very best in you. The truth is, however, not everyone will have this effect on your life. And yet some will. These are the people that never accept your mediocrity. They pick you and prod you. They inspire you and challenge you. They weep with you and rejoice with you. They truly care about all the stupid, insignificant things going on in your life. They are the ones that still stand beside you when the world turns their back on you. They see the goodness in you, the potential within you. They forgive you. They laugh at your corny jokes. And, most of all, they show up when you need them most.

Value these relationships. Value these relationships. I wrote that twice on purpose, because they are truly one of the greatest treasures you will ever possess. These are David and Jonathon relationships, your dearest friends. They are the ones who make covenant with you. They positively affect you. They share your burdens. They make your countenance rise. They strengthen you. They sharpen you.

But the reward of an Iron Friend is not just for you. Remember, you are the iron in their life, too. Sharpen them like you would want to be sharpened. Be the friend that you want to have in them. Love them, listen to them, share life with them. For “two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10)