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Together in Christ: 'We Need Each Other!' — Proverbs 27:17 Friday, March 22, 2024 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. — Proverbs 27:17 NLT Key Thought The Bible is full of examples and teachings on the importance of strong friends who encourage, comfort, and correct us to make us our best selves. [1] Few people have anyone who will tell them the truth when they are sinful, and then help them turn their life back to God. [2] Few people have a friend who will stick with them through their hardships and sorrows. [3] We need strong friends who will challenge our wrongful thinking, support us when we live as God wants us to live, and help us up when we stumble and fall. [4] And, we need to be that kind of friend to others. The teaching of the Scriptures and God's greatest leaders reminds us that we need this kind of friend. [5] Jesus was intentional when He sent out His disciples two-by-two. [6] He often included His inner group of three disciples with Him during important ministry and life moments. [7] Paul was strong in his faith, but he had his lowest moments when he was trying to do ministry alone. [8] As he neared the end of his life, Paul knew he needed friends as he confidently faced his death. [9] Thankfully, our verse today emphasizes the importance of having a strong, truthful, encouraging, and helpful friend much more succinctly! As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. [1] See our Related Scripture Readings below. [2] Matthew 18:15; Luke 15:1-7; Galatians 2:11-14, 6:1-5. [3] See our Related Scripture Readings below. [4] Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. [5] See our Related Scripture Readings below.. [6] Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1. The early church duplicated this practice — Acts 3:1-11, 4:1-2, 13:1-4, 15:40-41. [7] Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37, 14:33. [8] On at least two occasions after Paul began his apostolic ministry, he found himself alone: (a) in Athens after leaving Timothy and Silas in Achaia, and (b) in prison at the end of facing martyrdom. Both times he admitted how hard it was for him — (a) Acts 17:13-15, 18:5 along with 1 Corinthians 1:3; and (b) 2 Timothy 4:6-18. [9] 2 Timothy 4:6-18. TODAY'S PRAYER Tender and faithful Father, I ask for Your help so I can be the strong friend to others that they need, and I pray that You will bless my close friends and lead me to others that You can use to refine and sharpen my character. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Proverbs 11:30, 17:17, 18:24, 22:11, 27:6, 10