Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Are You a People Refresher?

Dear Friend,                                      

Many of us could use a word of encouragement these days when there are so many matters that drain the spirit. One powerful source of refreshment is the people our Lord has put into our lives. We see this wonderfully illustrated over and over again in Scripture.

Stephanas, Forunatus and Achaicus, “refreshed my spirit and yours also.” 1 Corinthians 16:18

“We were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.” 2 Corinthians 7:13

“May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” 2 Timothy 1:16

“Your love [Philemon] has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:7

Who are the people refreshers in your life whose words and works bring restoration to your spirit? Thank them because your words of thanks will refresh their spirits, too!

Be a people refresher!  In accord with Philemon 1:7, may the members of your family, co-workers and friends say of you, “You refresh our hearts!

May you be a refreshing friend who is in turn refreshed by our Lord and others.

Joy to you -- E. Stanley Ott            

© Copyright 2020 E. Stanley Ott

Scripture from the NIV

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1. When you think of people who refresh your spirit, who pops to mind? When and in what way will you thank them - and thank God for them?
2. Who are the people in your life - home, work and world - who would love a people refresher? The answer is "all of them!"
3. How - with what words and with what works - will you actually go about being an ongoing people refresher in their lives?

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The story of the father who pretended to be a hitchhiker is from Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewitt, p. 196-197.

Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash