One of our greatest assets as people is the relationships we build. God didn’t create us to be loners. Even those of us who are introverts need the support and encouragement of friends and family. But there is another purpose the Lord had in mind when He instituted relationships–He intended us to help each other grow.

Along with God’s Word, relationships are the catalyst that brings about spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 says it well, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Often that “sharpening” can be unpleasant, even painful. Words can hurt, but if said in a spirit of love, they can also heal and foster growth.

In my novel, Under Prairie Skies, Chad and Charlotte speak some hard truths to each other, ones that initially seemed offensive. But after the characters thought through those words and allowed God to do a work on their hearts, their relationship deepened, along with their relationship to the Lord.

Love is the key. When we see a fellow Christian, spouse, child, or family member who is struggling, we should first be certain we hold that person’s trust and pray for wisdom and discernment. Then, if we sense the Holy Spirit nudging us to speak, we have the obligation to do so in a loving, caring way.

As you go about your week this week, look for opportunities to bolster someone’s faith, whether it be an encouraging word or a gentle nudge in the right direction. We were made for fellowship with God and with each other. None of us are perfect. Each day, we need to humbly ask the Lord to show us areas we need to change in ourselves and be willing to accept the sharpening of others when the need arises.

~ When have you grown through someone’s loving, poignant words?

**Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.