08/23/2026
What might your marriage be showing you about you?
I’ve been reflecting on Proverbs 27:17:
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This Scripture isn’t specifically about marriage, but its relational principle offers something meaningful for couples to consider.
Marriage has a way of putting a mirror in front of us.
We can often see what our spouse needs to work on pretty clearly. But sometimes the harder work is turning that mirror toward ourselves.
How do I respond when I feel misunderstood?
What happens to me during conflict?
Am I listening to understand, or preparing my defense?
What am I contributing to the pattern we keep repeating?
Jesus gives us a similar challenge in Matthew 7:3–5 when He cautions us about focusing on the speck in someone else’s eye while overlooking the log in our own.
That doesn’t mean your spouse doesn’t have things to work on.
The goal isn’t to ignore each other’s growth areas. It’s to approach them differently.
Your spouse may see things in you that you cannot easily see in yourself. And you may see things in your spouse that they cannot easily see in themselves.
That’s where sharpening can happen.
In a healthy marriage, couples can challenge one another, encourage one another, speak truth with love, and call out the best in one another.
There is a difference between sharpening and criticizing.
Sharpening says:
“I love you enough to support your growth, and I’m humble enough to allow you to support mine.”
Imagine what can happen when both spouses are willing to look in the mirror, own their part, and remain open to growing together.
The mirror helps me see.
Ownership helps me change.
Together, we can sharpen one another.
At Oasis of Serenity, faith and biblical principles can be incorporated into couples counseling and relationship services for those who desire a spiritually integrated approach. 💚
Sunday reflection: What is your marriage showing you about yourself, and how are you and your spouse helping each other grow?
