‘I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for the saints. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.’ Philemon 4-5,7 (NIV).
What a pleasure it is to be around those who refresh our hearts. They are like cool water to a thirsty soul. They seem to lighten our load when we feel burdened, give us a reason to sing when our spirits are low and revive our faith to a new level of commitment and trust in God.
This is what Philemon did for other believers. His generous hospitality had replenished and stimulated them. His loyalty to Christ had inspired them and his love for God’s people had encouraged them.
Are we a refreshing influence on others, or do our attitudes and temperament add to the burden they carry? We have all been in the company of those who are negative and drain our energy by their complaints and problems. They fail to ever see the blessings which God continues to pour out upon them. We leave their presence feeling burdened ourselves. Better to be around people who replenish our spirits with their gratitude, positive energy and encouragement.
*Prayer:*
‘Heavenly Father, I know that you have called me to refresh others by encouraging them. Help me to do this with a generous and willing spirit, so that they might be abundantly blessed and your name will be glorified. Thank you.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
*Final Thoughts:*
Paul says in Colossians 2:2 that his purpose is to encourage the believers so that they might know the comfort of the Father and have their hearts woven together in love for each other. What a beautiful calling, what an honorable purpose!
Let this be our desire also: to refresh the lives of those who we meet each day by encouraging them in word or action. Let us always be ready to do what is beautiful to one another and to those who are unbelievers. The gift of refreshing others is ours for the giving.
Be Greatly Blessed!
