Iron Sharpens Iron: A Christian Coping Skill to Stop Negative Thinking

How to Stop Negative Thoughts With Christian Mentors

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365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 103

Devotional

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

Yesterday we discussed the significant positive impact of having a Mentor from a psychological lens. Today, we will be learning about an educational skill that helps us “barrow” the behaviors of those we look up to in order to progress through difficult situations. This tool is called Borrowed Perspective. 

If you haven’t read yesterday’s devotional CLICK HERE. 

Educational Coping Skill: The “Borrowed Perspective” Technique

Step 1: Spot the “Dull” Thought Notice when your thinking feels heavy, stuck, or negative. For example, you might catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never get past this” or “I am completely alone.”

Step 2: Find Your “Sharpener” Reach out to someone you trust who has more experience with what you’re going through. Instead of asking them to fix things for you, just ask how they view the situation. You are simply borrowing their fresh, clear point of view.

Step 3: Compare and Clear Your Mind Look at your “dull” thought next to their “sharp” perspective. Ask yourself: “What do they see that I might be missing right now because I am tired or overwhelmed?” By borrowing their wisdom, you can sharpen your own thinking and figure out your best next steps.

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Faith Connection

Metal cannot sharpen itself on its own, as it requires contact friction. If left by itself it will always remain dull. In the same way as iron, we cannot grow if we hide and remain alone in our struggles. Proverbs 27:17 shows us that Christ designed us to lean on one another and to guide each other through difficult moments. Having the courage to speak out and become vulnerable with another individual is a significant step in growing and moving through these situations. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and even more to apply it. However, having a mentor and someone to “sharpen” doesn’t just give you answers for the situation. Instead, it gives you a peak into your future and what life could have in store for you by looking through your mentor’s eyes. 

Reflection Question

Who is one person in your life that always seems to have a “sharper” or more hopeful perspective than you do? How could you “borrow” their perspective on one thing you are worried about today?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to help me grow. I confess that sometimes I try to stay sharp all on my own, and I end up feeling dull and discouraged. Please help me to find a mentor or a wise friend who can help me see the truth when I am stuck in my own head. Give me the humility to listen and the courage to be sharpened by their wisdom. Amen.

Book Recommendations

• “Iron Sharpens Iron: 27 Principles for Your Survival” by Orlando J. Robinson – An educational resource that breaks down the practical “how-to” of finding and being a mentor within a faith-based framework.

• “Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend – A vital guide for learning how to choose the right “sharpener”—someone who is healthy and safe for your mental well-being. (Available on kindle unlimited and audio books)

Ready to level up your mental health—starting right now?You can unlock our entire library of recommended titles for FREE in the next 60 seconds. Claim your [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial]to get instant access to this book and thousands of other wellness resources on any device.(Selection subject to change; check page for current availability.)

Closing Thoughts

You have completed Day 103 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. We are on a roll! Have you read any of the book suggestions? If so what has been your favorite so far! Let me know in the comments bellow.

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Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.