The Gentle Art of Spiritual Sharpening
Transforming through critique, not criticism
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 27:17, NIV)
In his favorite café, R.C. Sproul sits with wit and jest.
Apologetics in hand, a humorous quest.
“Critique,” he says, “is the art of care.”
Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron,” a friendship is rare.
He sips his coffee with a chuckle, light as air.
“Like pruning a vine or combing tangled hair,
It’s love’s labor, offered with a gentle flair.”
Galatians 6:1, “Restore gently,” for burdens we share.
“Criticism, oh, that’s the thorny beast.”
Guttled with grumbles, not in the least
A merry dance, but a furrowed feast
Matthew 7:1, “Judge not,” said Christ at the feast.
“Critique is a scalpel, precise, and keen.”
He muses, “While criticism is a hammer, unseen,
Crushing bones where tender growth had been”
Matthew 7:3, the log in our eye, says to ourselves, We’ve been mean.
In the banter, laughter finds its grace.
A jester’s smile on Sproul’s face.
“Let’s wield our words like a painter’s brush.”
Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer,” says that away wrath will rush.
For, in the end, we’re but clay and dust.
Our critiques can uplift, as soft as a hush,
And our humor, like wisdom, in quiet, we trust.
Ephesians 4:15: “Speak truth in love.” In this, we must.
Note
You may not have heard of Dr. R.C. Sproul before, but I want to introduce you to this remarkable theologian I greatly admire. Born in 1939 in Pittsburgh, Sproul had a unique gift — the ability to make complex theological ideas understandable and applicable to everyone. In 1971, he founded Ligonier Ministries, intending to bridge the gap between deep theological concepts and daily living.
Sproul was so much more than an academic. He was a prolific writer and captivating speaker, known for his down-to-earth style and skill in explaining profound truths in a way anyone could grasp. Through books like “The Holiness of God” and “Chosen by God,” as well as his radio program, “Renewing Your Mind,” he invited people into a deeper faith without the academic jargon getting in the way.
Sproul may have passed away in 2017, but his legacy carries on. He showed that theology isn’t just for a select few—it’s for everyone. I hope you’ll take the chance to learn from this remarkable teacher as much as I have.
