Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 (NASB1995)

I strongly encouraged a church brother the other day. Also, known as getting in his face and calling him out.

I encouraged him to look inside himself, reminding him of his difficult childhood. I was training him to think differently, informing him to get out of his logical brain, and suggesting he face his fears.

I encouraged more emotional development, reminding him he doesn’t always have to play the role of the long-suffering, sacrificial one. I informed him it’s okay to be assertive and express your needs sometimes. All while repeating, “God loves you” a lot. And, “Don’t forget to work on self care.”

I was speaking growth into a god-loving, emotionally struggling, tired, poorly-loved boy living in a man’s body.

He teared up and responded, “No, one has ever loved me like you do!”

I was stunned and not sure what I heard. “What did you say?” I asked. He repeated,
“No, one has ever loved me like you do!”

Suddenly, it was clear. I was in the presence of God. The Holy Spirit through that brother was blessing and thanking me. My Spirit leaped. I stopped and bowed my head in reverence. We were both standing on holy ground.

Prayer

Father, thank you for blessing and teaching me. I love it when the Holy Spirit shows up to encourage, teach, and bless me. Thank you that your training program never ends. It’s hard but growth is so satisfying. In Jesus’ name. Amen.