Iron Sharpening Iron

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

This week we’ve been reflecting on how Mary went to Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-45. Besides Elizabeth blessing Mary, as we’ve seen this week, in many ways Elizabeth essentially served as a mentor to Mary. There’s no question that Mary was encouraged and uplifted by her time with Elizabeth - and, given her challenging circumstances, there’s no doubt Mary needed the encouragement.

The scripture reminds us regularly that we need other people to become better ourselves. We need others to help us grow, even though sometimes that means there are some sparks when our rough edges come out.

This Advent season, as you await the One who is coming again, how might you be a better friend? Perhaps that means allowing someone else to speak a word to you and receiving it without defensiveness. Perhaps it means reaching out to a friend who is struggling. Perhaps it means one of a thousand ways God might shape you or use you to shape others. Are you willing, like Mary and Elizabeth, to go on that journey together?

Who is God speaking to you about today? Pause and pray about that and commit to taking a next step based on what you are discerning.