Today’s Scripture
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV).
Today’s Devotion
They were once the closest of friends. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson worked together to draft America’s Declaration of Independence and then served as foreign diplomats for the new nation. They even visited William Shakespeare’s home in England and carved slivers of wood from his chair to take as souvenirs.
Then, they both ran for President.
Adams won the first contest. Jefferson served as Vice-President. Four years later, Jefferson became the nation’s Chief Executive. While neither publicly attacked the other, their 1796 presidential campaign is remembered as one of the most bitter contests in American history.
For the next 10 years, neither man spoke to the other. But Adams and Jefferson had a mutual friend.
Dr. Benjamin Rush – a signer of the Declaration of Independence – longed to see them reunited. His efforts were successful. In 1811, Jefferson and Adams rekindled their friendship and resumed their habit of writing to each other. They stayed in touch until their deaths in 1826. All thanks to their friendship with Dr. Rush.
July 30 is the International Day of Friendship. The purpose is to remind us of the need for trusted relationships. We all need friends to encourage us and refine us. Your marriage needs friends who can help you through life’s seasons. And you need to be a friend to others. Think about your personal relationships. Can you be a friend like Dr. Benjamin Rush? Who do you know who needs a trusted friend to help rekindle their relationship with God and others? As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV).
God may be calling you to be that trusted friend to a couple in your church. Maybe He’s asking you to rebuild that kind of friendship and trust with your spouse. Listen for His leading.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, please give us opportunities to grow our circle of friends and to encourage other couples. Amen.
