IRON THAT SHARPENS IRON: THE BEAUTY OF GODLY FRIENDSHIPS

Iron That Sharpens Iron: The Beauty of Godly Friendships

If you’ve found a true friendship with someone who is a God-fearing wife and mom, you are more blessed than you know.

And when I say true friendship, I’m not talking about someone who pretends to have it all together—the “perfect” wife, the “perfect” mother, the one who acts like she’s never struggled or stumbled. No, I mean the kind of woman who has a real relationship with God. The kind who has walked through fire and come out refined, who knows suffering but also knows how to stand on God’s promises. The kind of friend who will pray for you when you can’t find the words, who will correct you in love, who understands hardship, and who shows up with loyalty, grace, and truth.

This is the kind of wife and mom I’m talking about—relatable, real, and rooted in God.

The Prayer for Friendship

I remember specifically praying for this type of friendship. I knew this wasn’t just something I wanted; it was something I needed. My husband and I both needed relationships with people who feared God, valued marriage, and understood the beauty and challenges of parenthood.

And while I have amazing friends, some weren’t in the same season of life or couldn’t offer the kind of encouragement I needed in this particular phase. And that’s okay. Different friendships serve different purposes. But in this season, I prayed boldly for like-minded community.

And God answered.

In the most unconventional way, He sent me a friend whose husband connects with mine. They can sharpen one another as men and share similar values and interests. My friend and I are the same way. Our kids even get along—something only God could orchestrate so perfectly.

What a Godly Friend Looks Like

One of the things I love most about this friend is that she’s what the world now calls a “husband’s girl.” Her husband is her best friend, her right-hand man, her safe space. He’s the first person she calls, the one she shares everything with. While this is the picture God designed for marriage, it’s sadly not the norm. Watching her love and honor her husband inspires me to pour into my own marriage more intentionally.

But beyond that, she is real. She doesn’t try to mask her struggles or act like motherhood is always easy. She’s honest about the chaos, the overwhelm, and the beauty of it all. That transparency makes our bond stronger because it’s built on authenticity, not pretense.

Iron Sharpens Iron

Not long ago, I was walking through a difficult situation. I opened up to her, and to my surprise, she was going through something similar. Instead of pity or surface-level advice, she offered accountability. She prayed with me, spoke truth into me, and reminded me of who God is in the midst of my storm.

And I got to do the same for her.

This is why the Bible says:

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

God designed relationships to refine us, challenge us, and draw us closer to Him. Friendships aren’t just for fun—they’re for spiritual growth. They are meant to hold us accountable, to lift us up when we’re weak, and to remind us of God’s truth when our vision is cloudy.

Lessons I’ve Learned About Godly Friendship

Through this journey, I’ve learned a few things:

1. Pray for the friendships you need. God cares about every detail of your life, including the people He places around you.

2. Be the friend you’re praying for. If you want authenticity, loyalty, and God-centered accountability, model those things in your own friendships.

3. Understand that seasons change. Some friends won’t walk with you in every phase of life, and that’s okay. It doesn’t make them less of a friend—it just means God is shifting your circle for your growth.

4. Value accountability. A true friend won’t just agree with everything you say. They will lovingly correct you and push you toward God’s will.

5. Celebrate answered prayers. Sometimes we pray for things and don’t recognize the blessing when it arrives. Take time to thank God when He brings the right people into your life.

If you’ve been longing for deeper, God-centered friendships, don’t lose heart. Pray and trust that God knows what you need. Friendships like these are rare gems, and when you find one, nurture it, cherish it, and allow it to sharpen you.

Because at the end of the day, we were never meant to do life alone. And when God sends you someone who can pray with you, walk with you, and grow with you—that’s not just a friend. That’s family in Christ.