Tonight I joined a group of men I’d never met before. For 30 minutes, we pushed each other through a physical workout — sweat, breath, grit. Then for 30 minutes, we gathered in devotion and fellowship. And as I stood among these men, strangers just an hour earlier, I saw something powerful: strength being built not just in the body, but in the spirit.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

This verse isn’t just about Bible study or spiritual advice — it’s about brotherhood in every form. Whether it’s lifting weights, lifting burdens, or lifting prayers, we’re meant to build each other up. Encouragement doesn’t always come from a verse; sometimes it comes from a hand on your shoulder, or a brother yelling “you got this” when your arms are shaking.

God didn’t design us to walk alone. He designed us to grow together — in character, in faith, in strength, and in service.

So whatever setting you’re in — a life group, a gym, a job site, or even a deer camp — don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen and be sharpened. Because sometimes the greatest ministry begins when we simply show up and stand shoulder to shoulder with other men chasing after something greater than themselves.

-Rev Carlos Figueroa