READING: Proverbs 27-29
Yesterday’s devotion dealt with the importance of God’s giving us “advisors” to help us fight the spiritual battles we face. When we fight alongside each other, we can live in victory; fight alone, and we’re wide open to the enemy’s arrows.
Today’s readings talk even more pointedly about how others might help us in our walk with God. Read these texts, and consider whether you have this type of person in your life:
- “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips” (Prov 27:2). Do you have someone who so loves and respects you that he or she stops you from praising yourself — and who chooses instead to be one who will praise you?
- “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Prov 27:6). Who loves you enough to “wound” you for your own good, and who exhibits no pretense in your relationship?
- “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov 27:17). Is there someone in your life who walks beside you so closely that the two of you help form one another’s character?
- “Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue” (Prov 28:23). Do you have a friend who has no interest in flattering you, but who graciously rebukes you when needed?
It’s my experience that too few of us have this kind of person in our life. Instead, we have a tendency to praise ourselves or listen to the false praises of others. When someone lovingly corrects us, though, we can walk more closely with God. He uses His people to help make us the followers He wants us to be.
ACTION STEPS:
- Into whose life do you have permission to speak lovingly? If you have no one, you’re probably missing an opportunity to help someone grow in Christ. Ask God to connect you with such a person.
- If someone rebukes you in a Christlike way today, respond in gratitude and grace. Don’t let your defenses go up.
PRAYER: “God, sharpen me through others in Your family. Give me a humble, listening ear to hear what I need to hear today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 30-31