Why do we need others to grow?
Hello, I hope you are doing well today. I thank you for taking these few minutes in front of us to meditate together with me on our verse of the day which is found in Proverbs 27, verse 17, let us read: "As iron sharpens iron, man is sharpened by contact with his next."
Yes, iron sharpens iron. This proverb underlines a verifiable truth in all areas of life for the simple reason that we all need others. Human beings were created to interact with their fellow human beings. We need fellowship with each other. Of course, we can have a special relationship with a pet, but nothing replaces the human being.
I can hear someone objecting to the reliability of certain people or to the disappointments once known, but the Bible is there to remind us that the relationship to our neighbor forges and shapes us.
As proof, Adam was sad when he was the only human being surrounded by animals. Yes, I know, humans are not easy to live with and we are part of it. However, they are useful for our development and fulfillment. Only iron can sharpen another iron because both are of the same nature and they are composed of the same materials.
Seen in this light, it is important to know that the people we meet in life, whether good or bad, contribute to our formation and growth. It is true that we would always like to deal with great people, but the reality of life shows us that it is not always so.
The oppositions, the failures, the tests, the betrayals, in short, the sufferings encountered are opportunities for sharpening so that we become better and complete. This is the experience Joseph had with his brothers.
Several years later, he will say to them:
"You planned to do me harm: God changed it for good, to accomplish what is happening today, to save the lives of many people" (Genesis 50: 20).
This is the phrase of someone who understood with hindsight that everything he went through was a kind of preparation and that God was forming him to manifest, through his channel, the fulfillment of the eternal plans. This is why I would like to invite you today to bless the Lord for all the encounters he allows you to have, whether difficult or pleasant.
Withdraw what is good and do not forget that these different encounters are opportunities for your formation.
Have a nice day and God bless you.
Gabriel oleko
