Are you a refresher?

This morning I read the small book of Philemon, and was reminded of the importance and goodness of refreshing others. Paul writes in his letter, verse 7, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”

Paul goes on to challenge Philemon, and I wonder if Paul knew that because of all the ways he refreshes people that Philemon is humble enough to be challenged and generous enough to help even when things are difficult.

What does it mean to refresh others?

Webster’s says it means to make someone feel new, strong, and active again. The Greek word for refresh in Philemon 1:7 means to give someone rest and to cause them to cease labor in order to recover and collect his or her strength.

To refresh someone is to help them recover their strength and to give them rest! Refreshing involves quiet, calm, peace, and infusing life where something is dry, brittle, and broken.

Refreshing involves personal cost for another’s gain.

Practically speaking, we refresh others by:

listening, so we know where they need to be strengthened.

working, so others can rest.

giving, so needs will be met and worry will cease.

praying, so people know that God is the ultimate refresher.

encouraging, so the weary will be reminded of their true purpose.

I’m challenged this morning to be a refresher! to be known as someone who refreshes! Lord, help us be encouragers, givers, and refreshers!

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 [NIV]