“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
—Proverbs 27:17
Is there someone in your life who feels like a thorn in your flesh? Perhaps it is someone in your congregation or your workplace, a family member, or possibly even your spouse. Because of this “thorn,” do you avoid gathering with other believers, or dodge seeing people who could cause further pain? If so, you are not alone, but it is important to understand that in life conflict is to be expected and not something we should run from.
Being created in the image of our relational God, we crave relationship. Ideally His love is to flow through us to others. However, there is an unholy spirit that opposes God’s flow of love and relationship, and it actually works to separate us from God and others. The Word tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph. 6:12). When words are spoken that wound us, threaten our self-esteem, or cause us to fear or become angry, we know that the spiritual forces of wickedness are at work. Yet what Satan means for evil, God works for our good.
Proverbs speaks of one person sharpening another. Relationships that trigger pain or discomfort can actually sharpen us as individuals. The key to handling painful relationships is to see them with spiritual eyes. Rebuke Satan’s spirit of division, humbly lay down all pride, pray for your enemies to be moved by Yeshua’s heart, and look to the Father to receive and walk in His truth. Through prayer, revelation, repentance, forgiveness, and Father’s healing love, our challenging relationships can make us sharper, wiser, and filled with a new love and peace.
Yeshua wants to impart His healing love and security into every one of our relationships. So today, face that “thorn” in your flesh. Humbly take your relationships to the Lord to receive correction when needed and to discover Father’s unconditional love that heals and transforms us, as iron sharpens iron!
Father, use the difficult people and situations in my life to make me more like You. I repent of my pride, and choose to face whatever fears and hurt I may be holding in my heart. Give me revelation so I can see when Satan is at work and take authority over the demonic forces that seek to wound and divide. Heal me with Your love, Abba Father, and sharpen me through my relationships with others.
Cynthia Schneider, From Passover to Pentecost (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.
