One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:24-25)
The simplicity in this proverb is supernatural in its impact. Read on and be greatly refreshed today!
What does it mean to refresh? The dictionary uses a variety of words to define the word refresh:
- Restore
- Revive
- Renovate
- Replenish
Perhaps the best way I can explain the biblical meaning of what it means to be a refresher is to be someone who makes the lives of others better! A refresher is the kind of person other people want to be around. Perhaps the best way to sharpen your understanding of being a refresher is to answer this question: Who in your life right now would you describe as a refresher? Who lifts you up whenever they are around you and shoulders your burdens with you? Who do you know whose glass is always have full, rather than half empty?
Refreshers shine their light into the darkness and help you see the way forward. They are quick to listen, quick to encourage, and always ready to serve. They have a tendency to make your world not only brighter, but better and even bigger. They help to enlarge your vision of yourself and the call God has placed in your life. Their encouragement empowers you to get up every time you fall down and to keep going even when you would rather not.
Does this describe the kind of person you are in the lives of others? If not, what is one change you could and should make today in order to become a refresher?
Don’t forget the promise in this proverb. Those who are refreshers of others are themselves refreshed. That promise will be true for you. You simply cannot refresh others without being refreshed yourself.
Remember, the greatest Refresher the world has ever seen is Jesus. Take a look at the way the Amplified Bible translates Psalm 23:2-3 –
He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
He refreshes and restores my life . . .
The more we refresh others, the more we are like our Lord. This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 