Thought for the Day

Verse 17 - Good friends bring out the best in one another. This does not mean that they do not see and deal with one another's faults, since this is part of the sharpening of each other's personalities. They will find ways to resolve differences in love. As they do this, each one's character is refined, just as when an iron blade is sharpened by the honing from another piece of iron. Even though sparks may fly, the result is a sharp edge. Anger is an emotion that surfaces in all relationships. It is not a sin to become angry, but it is a sin to vent it on others. God Himself experiences anger at injustice, which should anger us too, but it is how we handle our anger that makes us different. Righteous anger motivates us to use our time and influence to overcome evil. Unrighteous anger leads to retaliation, making us no different than the world. We must overcome evil with good.

Verse 18 - The principle of sowing and reaping is taught throughout Scripture. Whoever cares for a fig tree by watering, fertilizing, and pruning it will also eventually receive its fruit. Similarly, the servant that faithfully serves his master will eventually receive honor from him. Since Jesus is our Master, this principle applies to us. If we faithfully serve Him, He will honor us in due season. A day will come when we will hear Him speaking words of praise to us, such as those spoken to the righteous in Matthew 25:21.

Verse 19 - As water reflects a man's image, the heart of man reflects or relates to the heart of another man. If someone speaks from his spirit, those who are spiritually alive and walking in the spirit will hear and receive his words. If someone speaks from his emotions or soul, it moves people's emotions or soul; and what is spoken from the intellect is perceived by the intellect. Spirit communicates with spirit, soul with soul, and mind with mind. These levels of communication are the reason we have feelings of endearment when talking with certain people and sense others to be distant. We reflect the level from which people are coming, sometimes only partially understanding them. Have you ever tried to share wonderful news with a slight acquaintance? You share on an emotional level, but that person can only understand you on an intellectual level. He cannot share your joy.

Christians should not form strong attachments with non-Christians since we can only relate to them through the soul, which can lead us into sin (2 Corinthians 6:14). Only our prayers through the power of the Holy Spirit can change the hearts of those in darkness.