June 23, 2024
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Who are the people in your life? Who is the first person that comes to mind when you think about someone who has made a significant impact in your life? Have you ever considered how different your life would be without their influence? Can you recall a moment when someone’s support or guidance made a pivotal difference in your life?
Reflecting on my life, especially after moving to Michigan, I have been blessed and truly grateful for the people God allowed in my life or crossed my path. I stand amazed by God’s divine orchestration in the affairs of my life, the people He used to grow me and shape my life. How often do we stop to appreciate the people who helped shape our journey- good, bad, or indifferent?
When we reflect on our lives, certain individuals stand out as pillars of support, guidance, and inspiration. These are the people who have helped shape who we are today. Their influence often goes beyond mere words or actions; they touch our lives in profound ways that leave lasting impressions. Let’s look at some of those people.
The Encourager: An encourager lifts others by providing emotional, spiritual, and moral support. Think of a time when you felt discouraged and how a simple word of encouragement from a friend or loved one made a significant difference. Encouragers provide the support needed to persevere through tough times. They help us to stay faithful and focused on God’s promises. The encourager reminds us of our worth and potential, helping us to stay motivated and hopeful. 1 Thessalonians 5:11. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.” Reflect on how Barnabas, known as the “son of encouragement,” supported Paul and Mark in their ministries, in the book of Acts,
The Confidant: Confidants are trustworthy friends with whom we can share our deepest thoughts and struggles. They pray for us and support us through life’s challenges. Confidants provide a safe space for vulnerability and honesty, essential for emotional and spiritual healing. James 5:16, says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
The Spiritual Mentor: Mentors have truly blessed my life. They provided wisdom, guidance, and advice based on their experiences. They help us grow spiritually, professionally, and personally by offering insights and sharing valuable lessons. In this faith journey, mentors can help us understand Scripture more deeply and live out our faith more effectively. Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
The Challenger: Challengers hold us accountable and push us to grow beyond our comfort zones. They are not afraid to speak the truth in love, helping us recognize and overcome our shortcomings. Spiritually, challengers encourage us to pursue holiness and righteous living. Galatians 6:1 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
The Irritator: Yes, we need them as well. While it may seem counterintuitive, people who irritate or confront us play a significant role in our personal and spiritual growth. Irritators can serve as tools for our growth and refinement. While it’s natural to feel frustrated by them, recognizing their potential to help us grow in patience, resilience, conflict resolution, and empathy can transform how we view and interact with them. Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
The Intercessor: Praise God for Intercessors! They stand in the gap, praying on our behalf. This role is crucial in the spiritual life of a community, providing support, protection, and blessings through persistent prayer. Their prayers can bring about divine intervention, strength, and comfort. Someone dedicated to praying for our needs and spiritual growth is invaluable in our walk with God. 1 Timothy 2:1 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”
The Accountability Partner: Accountability partners are an indispensable part of personal physical, emotional, and spiritual development. They provide support, honest feedback, and a structured approach to goal setting and tracking. Mutual responsibility, shared wisdom, and encouragement help you achieve your goals and grow in all areas of life. They can assist us in leading a more disciplined, purposeful, and fulfilling life. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
The Companion. Everyone needs a Companion! They are true friends who walk alongside you in life, sharing our joys and sorrows. They provide fellowship, companionship, and a sense of belonging. In our spiritual journey, companions help us to not feel isolated, offering communal support and encouragement. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, says “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Others can often see things in our lives that we miss. God designed his people to be interdependent. So, we can help one another grow toward Christlikeness. God’s people always function best in community, where we can challenge and enrich one another’s lives!
HEART 
CHALLENGE: Jesus is the perfect example of all these roles and we should look to Him as our ultimate model. Who is in your inner circle? Jesus had an inner circle. One of them, was John the disciple whom Jesus loved, reclining next to him and referred to as “The Encourager” in John 13:23, John, known as the beloved disciple, often provided emotional support to Jesus. His presence at key moments, such as at the Last Supper and the crucifixion, highlights his role as an encourager. John’s love and loyalty were sources of comfort for Jesus, demonstrating the importance of having someone who provides unwavering support.
Peter, James, and John were Mentors to Jesus. “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them.” Matthew 17:1-3 Although Jesus was the ultimate mentor, He also shared deep, transformative experiences with Peter, James, and John. By including them in significant moments, such as the Transfiguration and Gethsemane, Jesus provided them with insights and guidance. This relationship underscores the reciprocal nature of mentoring, where both parties grow and learn!
The Apostle Peter was both a Confidant and a Challenger. Matthew 26:36-38 “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.” Peter was often the one Jesus confided in, sharing His deepest struggles, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite Peter’s later denial, Jesus entrusted him with His feelings and fears, showcasing the value of a confidant who is trusted with one’s vulnerabilities.
Jesus often asked His disciples to pray with Him, especially during critical moments. Though they sometimes faltered, their role as intercessors highlights the need for communal prayer support. It shows that even Jesus sought the prayers of His followers during trying times. Luke 22:14-15, – “When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Luke 22:39-40 – “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.'”
A PRAYING 
HEART: Jesus is the perfect example of all these roles, and we should look to Him as our ultimate model. Dealing with negative interactions in this walk of life especially with irritators can prompt us to examine our behaviors and attitudes, seeking God’s guidance in becoming more Christ-like. Seeing irritators through the lens of empathy helps us to bear with one another in love, fostering a more compassionate and understanding heart. Embracing these challenges with a Christ-like attitude can lead to significant personal and spiritual development. Forgiving those who irritate us helps us to mature in Christ, demonstrating the same grace and mercy that God extends to us.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word that gives us clear instructions on how we are to live. Thank You for the gift of community and relationships, the support of friends and loved ones people You have placed in our lives who encourage, mentor, listen, challenge, walk alongside, and pray for us. Help us to recognize the value of these relationships and to cultivate them with love and gratitude. Father God, we also ask that You guide us to be encouragers, mentors, confidants, challengers, companions, and intercessors for others. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we support each other as we grow in faith in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.