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Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Friendship is one of God’s great gifts. True friends sharpen one another, encouraging growth, challenging weakness, and strengthening faith. Gratitude for godly friends acknowledges that God uses them to make us better.

Iron sharpening iron implies friction. True friends are not flatterers but truth-tellers. They love enough to correct and encourage. Gratitude for such friends recognizes their courage and honesty. Without them, we would remain dull and weak.

Paul often thanked God for his friends in ministry—Timothy, Silas, Barnabas, and others who labored with him. Gratitude for friends is gratitude for fellow workers in the gospel. Their support, prayers, and companionship sustained him.

For pastors, friends are a lifeline. Ministry can be lonely, but faithful friends refresh and strengthen. For the flock, friends provide accountability, comfort, and joy. Gratitude for friends leads to stronger, healthier relationships.

Friendship also points us to Christ, the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Gratitude for earthly friends reminds us of the perfect friendship of Jesus, who laid down His life for us.

Let us thank God today for the friends who sharpen us. May we also be the kind of friend who strengthens others, reflecting Christ’s love in our relationships.