What Proverbs 27:17 Teaches Us About Showing Up For One Another

We know that "as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17). Being in community with one another is necessary. One significant way to do this is with encouragement. 

Encouraging one another through the ebb and flow of life is powerful. When all the anti-Black systems around us refuse to show up for us, we show up for and invest in one another. 

And that's holy work. 

When we wrap each other in encouragement, it helps us to keep each other strengthened, uplifted, and empowered, which can create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. 

Not only is this holy work, but it's also cultural. The African philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because you are," also reminds us that we are each other's keepers. When we commit to nurturing the spiritual growth of ourselves and one another, we’re living God’s will. 

Encouragement comes in many forms. You can make someone laugh, be a listening ear, remind them of their blessings or give a thoughtful gift. What is one thing you can do right now to encourage someone in our community?