The phrase “We need to talk” is always a heart-stopping one. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as a cell-phone text reading, “Can I call you about something?” or a conversation that turns into, “So, we’re friends, right?” I got them both in the past couple of months.

The text was received from a sister. She told me that there were certain rumors that had reached her circle of friends, and was hoping to either address me about it or clear up the gossip. And here’s what touched me most: she loved me enough to talk to me about it. In fact, that’s a defining characteristic of her. Whenever she sees a glimpse of sin in my life, she will seek to understand and admonish me in regards to that sin.

The conversation was initiated by a brother. He began by reassuring our friendship, an expression of his gentleness that all Christians should have. Like the sister, he sought to understand a situation from my point of view before offering his Biblical wisdom on the matter. He loved me enough to talk to me about it.

How many of you have people like that in your lives? If not, why not? Is it not wise to yoke yourself to people who will sharpen you in the spiritual battle as iron sharpens iron? (Proverbs 27:17)

How many of you, upon hearing about or observing things that need to be addressed, take effort to address them or find someone who can? (Galatians 6:1) Or do you pretend like everything’s okay or gossip about it?

I thank God for giving me all these brothers and sisters in my life who have sharpened me in my spiritual walk and continue to do so. I ask you, oh blog reader, to pray for my humbleness in receiving their encouragements and for the ability to love others as they have loved me in this respect!